Joyce Habeger Passes

Joyce passed from our Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society (MVDS) on December 4, 2025. She and her husband, Dave, were charter members of the Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society, joining in 2003. Although she had long been a devoted horticulturist, Joyce found her passion in dahlias and in the fellowship of the many like-minded members of our society. 

Joyce faithfully served on the Executive Board as our very first Secretary and continued in that role for 15 years. She also served with distinction as our representative to the American Dahlia Society (ADS) for 20 years, authoring quarterly articles for the ADS Bulletin. In addition, Joyce chaired our Annual Picnic and Banquet committees, generously giving her time and talents as needed. 

Having become extremely well versed in growing and exhibiting dahlias, she and Dave became senior Judges and judged many shows throughout the Midwest. They were especially active in the  Mahoning Valley, and with local societies in Youngstown, East Liverpool, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Together, they spent countless hours at the Canfield Fair, both exhibiting and judging dahlias with dedication and expertise. 

Joyce was mentored in the art of artistic design by the late Sheila Bowman, MVDS design expert, and she went on to excel in creating beautiful and expressive dahlia arrangements. Her creativity and skill were admired by those who saw her work. 

While dahlias were her passion, the people of the dahlia community were her inspiration and joy. Joyce embodied the Midwest Conference saying often shared by Bub Moore: “When I was young, I came for the flowers; as I aged, I stayed for the people.” 

We gratefully recognize that Joyce Habeger was a treasured and invaluable member of the dahlia world. She will be deeply missed for her remarkable knowledge and the time and talents that she so generously shared with us.