Obituary of Joyce M. Tynan
Joyce Tynan, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023. Joyce was born and raised in Joliet in a loving family that valued faith, education and community service. She attended St. Patrick School, followed by St. Francis Academy, and went on to achieve undergraduate and master’s degrees in business education, both from Lewis College. Joyce was a devout Catholic, a dedicated wife, daughter, sister and teacher, and she lived a fulfilled life bound by family, friends, and faith.
Joyce learned a strong work ethic from a young age. Both of her parents worked, and the entire family contributed to running a sandwich and ice cream stand in Lockport called “The Brite Spot”. A family motto she heard growing up became a lifelong favorite which Joyce repeated to her younger relatives and students: “If you do something, do it right!”
From a young age, Joyce studied music and dance, and she made appearances as a teenage member of The Kelly Adorables along with her sister Judy. The Kelly Adorables appeared at charity events around Joliet and on local television back in the 50’s when TV was still a novelty. After marriage, Joyce and her husband Don enjoyed square dancing for many years where Joyce served as a president of a local chapter.
During mid-life, Joyce was introduced to Donald Tynan, a widower with one teenage daughter and four adult sons. Joyce and Don hit it off and were married for nearly 39 years. Joyce and Don liked to keep busy - they enjoyed home improvement, square dancing, going to theater/music shows, attending church, visiting with family and wintering in Fort Meyers Beach.
Joyce dedicated 30+ years to educating young people. For the majority of her career, she taught business at Joliet East and later Joliet Central high schools, teaching typing, shorthand, accounting and computers. With her connections to local companies, in combination with a reputation for developing students with strong skills, Joyce helped many students find jobs and careers. Joyce enjoyed running into her graduated students around town and truly loved when they shared personal successes due to skills learned in her classes.
Several times in life Joyce was called upon to be a caregiver. Whether it was caring for aging parents, helping friends while they battled cancer, or nursing her husband Don in his late years, Joyce answered the call and stepped up to deliver.
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved late husband Donald Tynan, parents Reeva and Ralph Yonke, siblings James and Judy, and her stepdaughter Sheryl.
The family extends special thanks and gratitude to Ruth, her caregiver for the last 4+ years, and to all the professionals/caretakers who helped maintain Joyce’s comfort and independence.
