Joyce S. Gawronski

Joyce S. Gawronski, 86, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at Hospice of Jefferson County at the Ellis Farm, with her family by her side.

Joyce was born December 11, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Al and Betty (Augustyniak) Schultz. She graduated from high school in 1956 and married Joseph F. Gawronski in 1964. Joe predeceased her in 2003.

Joyce worked as a secretary for Armour & Company, where she took great pride in her work, particularly her exceptional shorthand skills. After becoming a homemaker devoted to raising her son, she later worked as a temporary secretary for various businesses in the Chicago area.

A wonderful and dedicated mother, Joyce lived in Dolton, Illinois for 50 years at 206 West 148th Place from 1969 until 2019. Joyce moved to Waterford Estates Senior Community in Hazel Crest, where she lived for three years, and then relocated in 2022 to Ives Hill Senior Community, in Watertown, New York, to be closer to her son, Keith.

Joyce had many passions that brought her joy. She wrote heartfelt poetry for family and friends on special occasions, crocheted items as gifts for loved ones, and enjoyed other crafts. She loved playing bingo and was an avid bird watcher who delighted in observing nature. Joyce had a deep love for animals and cherished her canine companions throughout her life, including Twinkle, Beauty, and Blue, a Sheltie who was her beloved companion when her husband passed away. She especially enjoyed visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden with her family over the years, finding peace and beauty in its flowers and gardens.

Joyce is survived by her son, Keith A. Gawronski-McNinch, and his husband, Darcy Gawronski-McNinch, of Kingston, Ontario, Canada; her sisters-in-law Sue (Richard) Gawronski and Linda (Raymond) Schultz, her cousins, Beverly (Tom) Hullinger and Debra (James) Kelly; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved former neighbors, Marie and Daniel Lafontant of Dolton, Illinois, who remained faithful friends and visited Joyce after she moved. She was predeceased by her siblings, Elaine Ruesing, Raymond Schultz, Charlene Muller, and Laverne Harkins; her brother-in-law, Richard Gawronski; her sister-in-law, Ruth Gawronski; and her cousin, Bonnie Nitsche.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to a tribute plaque at the Chicago Botanic Garden in honor of Joyce and Joseph Gawronski can be made, in their names, online at https://www.chicagobotanic.org/donate/tribute, by phone at 847-835-8333, or by mail to Chicago Botanic Garden, ATTN: Tributes, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022.

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.dlcalarco.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.