Obituary of Joyce Ann Wrobel

Joyce Ann Wrobel was born June 23rd, 1938, in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Clarence and Margaret (Moran)Southward. She grew up on the beautiful family farm, the second youngest of eight children. She had a very happy childhood surrounded by a big family and lots of friends. She was a member of the 4H club, Future Homemakers of America, competed in beauty pageants, horse riding competitions, acted in plays and drummed in the marching band. Joyce excelled in cosmetology school and went on to start her own business, Joyce’s Beauty Shop. Soon after, she became the VP of the Milan Chamber of Commerce. Through a group of close mutual friends, she met the love of her life, Frank. They affectionately referred to each other as “Clown”; the same nickname they both shared before meeting. Shortly after getting married, they lived in Germany where Frank was stationed with the US Army. They traveled to many other countries while living overseas. In the mid 60’s they returned home to the USA to raise a family. With two young boys she was a wonderful homemaker, cake decorator, school room mother and part of the welcome wagon organization in Port Huron, Michigan. Later in life, she returned to work as an ice cream shop manager, part time hairdresser followed by childcare and dietary services for Michigan Public Schools in Ortonville before officially retiring. She loved being on the water and soaking up the sun. She was a Member of the Black River Boat Club in Port Huron, Michigan from the 1970’s until early 2000’s. Cruising alongside Captain Frank and exploring the chain of great lakes in both the USA and Canada with family and friends. Good times that will always be cherished. Soon after the boys moved out of the family home, Frank and Joyce purchased a small farm in Ortonville, Michigan where they surprised everyone by bringing home two miniature goats: Mick and Millie. These pets were a handful but brought so much joy into their lives. After years of hard work, it was time to enjoy retirement. Joyce was very happy and proud to become a snowbird at age 62. Summertime was up north Michigan at the log cabin on Beaver Lake. Punta Gorda, Florida was the winter retreat. Surrounded by friends and family at both places she spent time enjoying music, arts and crafts festivals, the beach and the pool. Social events lined the calendar, staying active was her thing. Always up for something fun, her sunglasses, camera and packed purse were always close by. When time permitted; baking, cooking, gardening and canning were some of her favorite things. If you knew Joyce, you were aware of her fondness for chocolate mint, roses, pretty jewelry and anything with flip-flops on it. She loved to go bargain shopping and was always a sharp dresser matching everything head to toe. She enjoyed watching old episodes of The Lawrence Welk Show, Golden Girls and Hee Haw. She was a self-proclaimed farm girl, humble and kind, who loved animals and the outdoors. Joyce created beautiful rock gardens and delivered the best prayers at mealtime. Children, angels and flowers always made her smile. Crafty and creative; she was talented in so many ways with a great imagination and a special knack for making literally everything more fun. Snoopy deco for all holidays; golf cart and boat parades, hilarious hand-made costumes and clever displays of all kinds were also her thing. She graciously shared her beauty parlor skills with her friends and family, painted lovely artwork, wrote the most beautiful poems and created fantastic photo albums. Joyce was a member of both the Elks and Moose Lodges. She was also involved with the Ventura Lakes Red Hats Club and the Birthday Girls; a wonderful group of ladies that get together monthly to celebrate and explore local restaurants and other unique places. Her busiest time was associated with the Ventura Lakes Follies; an entertaining comedy skit show at the clubhouse where she helped plan the acts, construct sets and make the costumes. It was an absolute hoot! Beautiful inside and out; Joyce radiated positivity with her warm heart and compassionate soul. A true people person: she could strike up conversation about anything and made forever friends everywhere she went. She had a mini-personal hallmark store on-hand and was the first to send a thoughtful card for any occasion. Joyce had a great sense of humor and the cheeriest of dispositions. Her quick witted often silly responses to whatever comment was thrown her way, could easily catch you off-guard and was sure to make anyone smile. Giggle-fest was a common phrase and “laughter is good” was her motto until the end. Most times you’d hear her contagious laugh long before you’d see her. Devoted wife, married to Frank for almost 60 years - their favorite phrase was “together forever”. She was especially proud of her close-knit family and her faith; even with advanced dementia she never forgot who and what was most important to her. She always kept her same joyful and spunky spirit. It was an amazing blessing, gift and honor to share with her. Joyce was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda, Florida and Saint Rose Catholic Church in Heron Michigan. Shortly following her 84th birthday; a true earth angel received her heavenly wings. On June 28th, 2022. Joyce passed away at Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida with loving family by her side. Preceding her in death is her husband Frank Joseph Wrobel, parents Clarence and Margaret Southward, brothers David, Edward, Lester, sisters Audrey, Alice and Mary Lou. She is survived by her children David, Stephen (Ashley), grandson Aaron, Sister Susan Southward and lots of nieces and nephews. Honoring her wishes, a gathering will be held at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 10am to 11am, folled by a service starting at 11am. Following the memorial, family will host a celebration of her life. Location will be announced at service. Anyone that would like to donate in her name, please consider the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s disease Associations.