Helen Jean Joyce

Helen Jean Joyce of Leawood, Kansas passed away June 28, 2014. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas. Private burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

Mom was born July 25, 1925 in North Vernon, Indiana to Muriel and Carl Schandorf. She graduated from William Chrisman High School, Independence, Mo. where she was a member of the National Honor Society and held offices in many clubs. In 1944, she married the boy of her dreams Bob Joyce while he was home on a WWII furlough. They remained partners for 54 years.

Mom loved gardening, bird watching, sewing and square dancing with Dad. She spent much of her life giving to others. She was a volunteer for over 20 years at the St. Joseph Health Center where Helen served as President of the Auxiliary. She was President of the Leawood Garden Club, a Girl Scout Leader and a volunteer for the Ladies of Charity. As a pre-eminent seamstress, she donated her time making costumes for the Kansas City Dance Theater. She loved seeing her costumes come to life on stage. A devout Catholic, Mom was an original founding parishioner of Cure of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas where she remained active in the parish for 55 years.

Mom’s home-made pies, cream puffs and noodles were legendary. She was proud of her German heritage, but loved being married to her handsome Irishman. She was very happy sharing in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She enjoyed the sporting events, school plays, graduations and neighborhood gatherings. Friendly to everyone, Mom never met a stranger.

But most of all, Mom loved her family. Mom taught us to cherish life and to persevere through life’s challenges. And by example, Mom taught us to never give up.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob and sisters Muriel Tonkens and Dorothy Schandorf. Helen is survived by her 4 children: Robert Joyce (Linda), Jan Pouppirt-Marquis (Van), Julie Finholm (Tom, Jr.), David Joyce (Mary), 8 grandchildren: Kim Corder (Eric), Melissa Pouppirt, Clifford Pouppirt (Kristy), Lisa Finholm, Tom Finholm, III, Billy Finholm, Carl Joyce, Alex Joyce, and 4 great grandchildren, Bobby Blades (Kelsey), Danyelle Pouppirt, Nicholas & Nathan Geraci and special cousin Nina Theiss. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Cure of Ars Church Renovation Fund.

We will miss you Mom. Your twinkling eyes, wonderful humor and caring spirit will live on forever.

Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.