Joyce Ann Wood, mother, sister, Nana and great-grandmother, was born to eternal life on July 4, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Bill Wood, parents Walter and Ann Zielinski and sister, Janice Grabowski.

Joyce was the loving mother of Rick (Margaret) Wood, Pam (Stephen) Schaefer, Mike (Desiree) Wood and Matt (Kim) Wood. Beloved Nana of Kayla (Matthew), Michael, Kevin, Lauren (Robert), Detra (Patrick,) Tim (Leticia,) Peter (Addie), Haley and Laci. Great-grandmother of Benjamin and Colin. She is also survived by her sister, Judith (Roger) Dunlap.

Joyce was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 18, 1937 and raised in a loving household with her Polish parents and two sisters. Her father immigrated through Ellis Island from Poland in 1914. Joyce was very proud of her heritage and could often be found sharing these traditions through her cooking and an occasional Polish phrase.

Her and Bill moved from Chicago to St. John, Indiana in 1970 to raise their family. Their home on Jacobson Drive was often a hub of family and friends, each with their own memories of what made it special.

Joyce worked as a bank teller in St. John for 25+ years…always with a welcoming smile to her customers. A devout Catholic who was strong in her faith, Joyce was a regular parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church.

When lifelong friends began moving West upon retirement, Joyce and Bill decided it was time for their next adventure, and retired to Gold Canyon, Arizona in 2002. This was to the delight of what would be many Midwestern visitors over the years. Joyce, Bill, and numerous friends enjoyed retirement by soaking in the sun, admiring the mountains, playing cards and loving life.

Joyce was deeply loved and will be missed by each of the lives that she touched over her 79 years.

At the time of her passing, she was at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon, WI, surrounded by her three sons, her daughter, and her sister and brother-in-law.

Our family is deeply appreciative of the care and warmth provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital. They are an amazing group of care workers.

Memorial service will be Saturday, July 23 at 11:30 AM at Lumen Christi Church (138 W. Buntrock Avenue, Thiensville). Visitation from 10:30 AM until the time of service. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.

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