Joyce A. (Slamka) Svejcar Watkins

The world lost a beloved friend and mother, Joyce (Slamka) Svejcar Watkins, who passed away at her home on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the age of 94.   Joyce was born in Milwaukee on June 2, 1927 to Joseph and Anna Slamka.  She had three brothers and was the apple of her parents’ eye.

She lived through the depression, which was always her excuse for keeping 100 boxes of Jell-O in her cupboard! Joyce attended Catholic school, including Mercy High School in Milwaukee, where she was President of her Senior Class, and Snow Queen of the Senior Prom in 1944. At the age of 19, she bravely boarded a train alone, and proudly headed to Great Lakes to work in the demobilization department of the largest Separation Center in the country for the United States as World War II wound down.

Joyce loved music, dancing, gardening, flowers, the United States, travel, and her family. She loved the holidays and always strove to make them festive and memorable. She made and kept loyal friendships throughout her life.  In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Joyce had a spirit all her own that was filled with love and playfulness. We are so grateful to have had her for so long, yet it still is not enough. She will be dearly missed by her devoted children.

The family would like to give profound thanks to Robin, an amazing nurse at the Fountains who has been a godsend in caring for our mother.   Davina, from Suncrest Hospice has been such a caring, compassionate, and lively companion for both Joyce and her family.   We will forever remember their kindness and friendship.

Joyce has left behind six children, Frank, Gary (Theresa), Scott (Sue), Kim (Bob), Shelley and Joy (John), as well as 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband,Frank, in 1974, her 2nd husband Chester in 1995, and her beloved parents and adored brother, Wayne.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 6th from 11am until a service at 1pm at Davenport Funeral Home in Crystal Lake, Illinois.   Burial service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce's name to Suncrest Hospice at https://suncrestcare.com/ .