Joyce Ellen Hayhoe, retiree from California Correctional Health Care Services, passed away in her sleep June 26, 2019, at age 65.
Hayhoe fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gary, and their son Sean and his wife Alexandra Sanders. She’s also survived by her mother, Gloria Darragh, and many family members.
After 36 years working for the state, Joyce retired in 2017. At the time of her retirement, she was director of legislation and communications for California Correctional Health Care Services.
She was instrumental in passing the “medical parole” law and securing funding necessary to upgrade prison health care infrastructure. She also worked to establish a system-wide electronic medical record.
During her tenure with CDCR, she worked closely with the Legislature and the Administration to ensure passage of a number of landmark pieces of legislation.
These laws include:
- Three Strikes
- Sexually Violent Predator statutes
- reorganizing California’s correctional boards and agencies into CDCR in 2005
- and AB 900 as well as the Public Safety and Offender Rehabilitation Act of 2007.
In her capacity as Assistant Secretary for CDCR, and as Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs at the former California Youth Authority, Hayhoe was instrumental in confirmations of Governor appointees, including three CDCR secretaries. In 2009, she was honored by the California State Senate and Assembly for her career accomplishments.
There will be a memorial at 1387 56th Street, Sacramento, on Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m. Remembrances can be made to the Center for Restorative Justice Works.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.