Joyce Elaine Himka

Joyce Elaine Himka passed away peacefully on October 21st, 2022. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, she was the 3rd child to Mildred and Henry Riemann Jr. She will be the last of her family’s generation, pre-deceased by her siblings David, Mildred, and Don.

As Joyce was growing up in the 1930’s, she was relished as a beautiful child. Enrolled in beauty pageants of the time, her blond, curly hair, and polka dot dresses were reminiscent of Shirley Temple: sweet, adorable, good natured, and spreading joy.

As her parents worked, her older sister, Millie, took control over the siblings and ruled with a kind hand. Millie as the older sister looked after Joyce, providing support, protection, and friendship all throughout Joyce’s early years.

Joyce married Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Shea in 1952, a West Point graduate who forwent competing track in the Olympics to fight in the Korean War. Dick was killed in action at the infamous “Pork Chop Hill”, receiving the posthumous Medal of Honor and Purple Heart for his valor. The track stadium at West Point is named in Dick’s honor. Married less than 2 years, Joyce was with child at the time of Dick’s death.

Joyce had a job in New York City for Met Life, caring for a young child as a single mother paving an unheard-of path forward for both working mothers and single mothers.

Joyce then met Theodore “Ted” Himka of Nicholson Pennsylvania in 1956. Ted was a Pennsylvania State graduate of 1945, a passionate pioneer in the Golden Age of Aviation. Together they raised 3 children, Richard Shea Himka, Kevin Himka, and Theodore “Teddy” Himka. They would move from various locations in the state of New York, Washington, Connecticut, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, before settling in Renton, Washington for the last 45 years.

Joyce prioritized family over everything else. She supported her husband’s career managing the family through various relocations. She supported their school activities and nurtured them to be to be responsible adults. Joyce created a connected extended family, keeping close ties with her east coast relatives and with her west coast children and grandchildren.

Joyce extended that bond to be a gentle, loving, grandmother to Cristina, Rachael, Eamon, Grace, Sophie, Hunter, and Hayden Himka. She was a modern friend, shopping for the kids, supporting sports and activities, and more than anything listening to and supporting what was going on in their lives, she was always interested in their activities. Granddaughter Grace said “Grandma loved each one of us. When I think of grandma, I think of tea parties and spaghetti-o’s. I think of her tea collection, her little canary, and…how her house was home. She was full of love and laughter. We will all miss her dearly”. They each felt a close relationship to their grandmother – what an amazing legacy to pass on.

Joyce Himka is predeceased by her husband Theodore Himka, parents Henry and Mildred Riemann, siblings David Riemann, Mildred Nowell, Donald Riemann, and son Richard Shea Himka and Granddaughter Cristina Himka. She is survived by Kevin Himka and Theodore (Ted) Himka), and their families.

A brief viewing and service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Ave. NE, Renton, WA 98056 on Monday November 7th at 12:30 following burial at 2:00 PM.