Joyce Winona Kowalczyk

CHESHIRE - Joyce Ferguson Kowalczyk, 90, passed away on July 18, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. She was the wife of the late Robert Frank Kowalczyk. Joyce was born in 1932 to Thomas and Pauline Ferguson and lived in Connecticut her whole life. She graduated high school in 1950 and worked as a secretary for the State of Connecticut for over twenty years. In 1991 she became a St. Joseph Collage graduate then began volunteering at Hartford's Wadsworth Atheneum where she was subsequently hired as a docent.

Joyce was an active and accomplished woman who enjoyed art, music and theatre as well as the outdoors. A proficient cross-country skier and hiker, she loved the peaceful quiet of deep woods and the bright birdsong in the sunshine of open meadows. Warm sand beaches, and walking along the water's edge, were other favorite places. Some of Joyce's skills were quilting, painting, crafting waxed Christmas ornaments, and sewing. She was an active member in the Advent Christian Church for many years.
Joyce loved visiting her son Kyle, his wife Judy and grandson Bryce in the mountains of Vermont where they have made their home. She often visited her daughter, Kris, son-in-law Tom and granddaughter, Tanya at their home near the West Haven beach. She would joke about having a place to go that's perfect in any season.

The world was fortunate to be graced with "Grammy" Joyce. She was a truly kind person through-and-through, always listening and patient, caring and avoiding judgment. She was the sweetest grandmother, mother, and mother-in- law, and an honorable sibling and daughter. It was always so much fun and a joy to be in Joyce's company and many happy times were shared! She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Kris (Tom) Strontzer, her son Kyle (Judy) Kowalczyk, her granddaughter Tanya Strontzer and her friend Ryan, grandson Bryce Kowalczyk, brother Gary (Abigail) Ferguson, sister-in-law Kelley Ferguson and many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her husband Robert, she is predeceased by her son Kurt Kowalczyk (who died shortly after birth) and her brother Donald Ferguson.  

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023, 11:00 AM at the Center Street Cemetery in Wallingford, CT. A memorial reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sierra Club, the Audubon society or IEN, Indigenous Environmental Network. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with Joyce's final arrangements.  To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www. BaileyCares.com. 

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