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BORN
1941
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Joyce Serafini Obituary
Joyce was a woman who above all loved and cherished her husband "Honey Joe". Her eyes lit up whenever she spoke of him and their 38 years together were years filled with love and joy. Joyce was a very passionate woman who was extremely proud of her Italian heritage and was an active member in the Italian American Women's Association here in Erie for ten years. She was also a proud Democrat and was an enthusiastic and a zealous defender of her viewpoints. We all have enjoyed the many letters to the editor Joyce has written over the years in the Erie Times-News.
Joyce was a prior Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker and a prior member of the Erie Maennerchor Club and the La Nuova Aurora Club. The joy of cooking and entertaining her family and friends was one of Joyce's greatest joys in life.
She is a very much loved and cherished Mother by her daughter Renee` who will forever miss her mother's kind words of encouragement and guidance through-out her life. Her only grandson Matthew was surrounded with love and pride by Joyce and she will forever watch over and protect him. Joyce will be very much missed and forever loved by her sisters, brother and their children and also her wonderful friends and neighbors. Her "Charlie Boy" was her beloved dog whom she spoiled and loved so very much.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her son, Bruce Joseph Hopkins and one sister, Rosemary Wilson.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Joseph Sam Serafini of Erie; her daughter, Renee Mary Hopkins of Erie; two sisters, Marilyn Gebhardt (Richard) of Erie and Kristine Kravis (Bruce) of Fondue Loc, Wis.; one brother, Gerald Chiappazzi (Sally) of Yorktown, Va.; one grandson, Matthew A. Hopkins (fiance' Taunia Kennedy); one great-granddaughter, McKenzi; and a brother-in-law, Charles Serafini. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dog, Charlie.
Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday at Saint Andrew Church, 1116 West 7th Street, at 11 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the Italian American Women's Association, PO Box, 3649, Erie, PA 16508. To send condolences visit www.orlandofuneralhome.com.
Our family wishes to thank Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, Walnut Creek Nursing Home, and Manchester Presbyterian Nursing Home for the wonderful care and support of Joyce and her entire family.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Serafini
Sponsored by John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc. - Erie.
Jeff Feldmann
March 6, 2025
I just still can't believe Joyce is in Heaven already! I wish Joyce and Joe were still here with us. Life is just not the same. I miss everything about them. I have not had a Christmas eve spread and absolutely delicious variety of food and drinks! "The Best"! I miss the family and friends comradery! Joyce and Joe made everyone feel like family! I sure do miss them! Joyce was always the backbone in everything! What a trooper! Thank you both for all the years of memories and happy times! I will see you all in Heaven sometime soon! I can't wait! Big hugs and kisses to you Joyce! I miss you and everything about you! Sweet dreams dear!
Alicia Goodelle
March 6, 2025
Miss you still, Aunt Joyce. Love always.
Jeff Feldmann
March 6, 2024
I can't believe it has already been seven years that Joyce was taken to heaven. I wish I could have had more time with both Joyce and Joe. All the time shared with them are some of my favorite memories in my life. I sure do miss them! Joyce was so nice and always asked if she could fix a plate or drink when I stopped to visit. We talked about anything and everything. They always felt and seemed like my second set of parents. My life without them is so much emptier than before even still. God bless you Joyce. God rest your soul and give you forever peace. I will see you and Joe again someday soon! Love you both! Big hugs and a kiss!
Jeff Feldmann
March 6, 2023
Omg..unbelievable! Six years gone by already. It seems like just a short time ago when Joyce was taken to heaven. All I know is my life has been forever changed and I miss Joyce and Joe. They both are family to me and my world I live in seems so much smaller and sad and empty without my friends. I'm looking forward to seeing them again and continuing our good times in heaven. I know God has everything planned out for all of us but it sometimes feels unfair. I miss your presence and conversations and cherish everything we shared in life and the memories are wonderful and I hope everything in heaven is what the Bible says it is and your just waiting for us to join you and our savior for the ultimate living experience. Big hugs and kisses to you Joyce. I miss you very much!
Alicia Goodelle
March 7, 2022
Sure do miss you, Aunt Joyce. And Joe. You would be so upset about this stuff going on in the Ukraine. Love you so much.
Jeff feldmann
March 6, 2022
Wow...how things change so much every year. I can't believe though how much I still miss Joyce (and Joe) in my life. I still feel a huge emptiness in my heart without them. My world will never be the same. I do still remember all the wonderful times we shared together. I miss their delicious food spreads and company. Thank you again for everything Joyce. I will see you again in heaven, save me a seat at the supper table. You are always in my prayers. Thank you again for all the great times and memories. Love you always!
Jeff Feldmann
March 6, 2021
It still breaks my heart to this day that Joyce and Joe are not here to share life with like the good old days, lots of fun and memories. I know they are eternally together again in heaven and enjoying God's plans for them but I sure do miss them being a phone call away or a short drive to visit. I always looked forward to seeing them and enjoyed their company. It still just feels empty without them. I cant wait to see Joyce, Joe and my father when God calls on me to join him and them in heaven. Amen and hallelujah!
Alicia Goodelle
March 6, 2021
Miss you, Aunt Joyce!
Jeff Feldmann
March 6, 2020
I can't believe it's been 3 years since joyce departed us. I wish Joe and joyce were both here to enjoy and visit. I know they are happy in heaven together but I sure do miss them both. I will never forget them. In my heart and memory forever.
March 24, 2017
This was an original post on Facebook on 10 Mar 2017: I've been blessed by so many amazing women in my life. Strong women. Women who, against all odds, persevered. They've shared that strength with their sisters, nieces, daughters. Through them they have made us all stronger for it. Today our family lost an amazing woman. She always stood for what she believed in. She loved hard. She fought for all things good. She always put family first. If you walked in her door you knew would well fed, regaled of stories that would be long lost without it's retelling. You would be welcomed no matter who you were, or what you believed in. You would share in her smile that lit up her face. Her laughter and her tears. Aunt Joyce I hope you know how much you meant to me. To our family. I hope that you walk amongst those that passed before you. That your heart is at peace. Your soul is whole again with your beloved son BJ, sister Rosemary, your parents to name just a short few of whom you've never been the same without. I will miss you more than I can say but I promise to carry on your legacy. To be a strong woman like that you learned to be from your mom, aunts, grandma's and that all you girls have carried on. I'll teach our girls to think for themselves. To make their own decisions and to hold their ground on those beliefs. To continue this lineage of great women for which they have come from. Love you always - Angela Wilson
Patrick McBride
March 17, 2017
So sorry Renee, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Love you!
Mia Cornelius
March 15, 2017
Marilyn and family, I was so sad to hear of your sister's passing. I am sending prayers and a hug. God bless you, and keep you all.
Mia Cornelius
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Ann Gebhardt
March 15, 2017
Renee & Joe- Beautiful day to celebrate Joyce.
Jessica Smith
March 14, 2017
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce. She had lived a wonderful life and loved her family so much especially Renee and her grandson Matthew. She is now at peace and out of pain.
May our Heavenly Father hold each family member in the Palm of his hand.
Scott Kunath
March 13, 2017
God Bless this wonderful woman
The stars will shine brighter at night knowing her smile will light the grey skies
The pain has slipped away and the peace has finally found her resting soul
The memories will never fade though the pain will slowly slip away as the Family & Friends will be closer together as they reminisce the way she would light up the room with her view points & laughter will always presume.
God Bless
Marilyn Gebhardt
March 13, 2017
Joyce, my sister,
Who am I going to call at 8:00am to discuss politics or family matters?
You have left me alone at sea.
Now I know how Aunt Rosie felt when Mama died.
I selfishly cannot even imagine how much I will miss you.
Only you and I share the memories of growing up before our younger brother and sister came along.
Only you and I have the memories of going to the Sugar Bowl on 8th Street and then the mixer in the building behind, of the parties you would drag me to at some of the homes of your McDowell friends. Remember, I was a Villa girl.
Mom buying you the dresses that you wore to all of the dances,the time when you bought the white Chevy Impala.
So happy you had Joe in your life. He is and was a Godsend that you deserved.
So happy you have a wonderful relationship with you daughter Renee and grandson Mathew, even if it was "stormy" sometimes.
I know how difficult it was for you these last 4 months.
I know Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad,older sister Rose, and BJ are "showing you the ropes" in God's kingdom.
Until we see each other in eternity, you will forever be in my heart.
Love, your sister, Chip#3
Marilyn
Nancy DiPlacido
March 13, 2017
Joe & Family, I was so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. We worked together years ago at CBF and I enjoyed several delicious meals at her home, compliments of hers and Joe's cooking. Loved hearing about her life, she was a great storyteller and a good friend. She will be sorely missed.
Shelly Messina
March 13, 2017
Joyce your were an amazingly strong-willed woman. I know where Renee' got hers from. You will be missed. You were always very loving and sweet to me. I will miss all your "back ups" on Facebook. You always stepped in! I always loved that about you! Rest in peace Joyce... we've got it from here. God speed.
Lots of love,
Lena Langer
March 13, 2017
Dear Joe & family..It is with great sadness losing my neighbor & friend. Joyce was so upbeat & kind...I loves to listen to her stories & she loved her Italian heriritage....I will miss her. May God watch over you Joe & remember the good times ....
RITA CHAIPPAZZI
March 13, 2017
My cousin had a positive well being. SHe was out for anything. I will miss her she never forgot CHristmas and family. My Prayers and thoughts are with the family
Judy (Young) Kerstetter
March 12, 2017
Saddened that our McDowell class of 1959 has lost another classmate.
Alicia Gebhardt Goodelle
March 12, 2017
Beautiful write-up. I will always remember Aunt Joyce for her infectious laugh. I'm so happy I got to see her a few weeks ago--of course, we talked politics. One thing about Aunt Joyce--she always heard you out, no matter your viewpoint. And she could agree to disagree, which is rare nowadays.
I will miss hearing my mom and her talk about their family tree and its many, many branches. I will miss her pizzelles so much! But most of all, I will miss just knowing she was there, in her living room on McKee Road, always up for an unannounced visit.
Renee, she was so proud of the life you created for yourself. She told me that last time we talked. Joe, she loved you so, so much. Thank God you came along. (Did you two even ever have a fight??) She adored all her dogs throughout her life and everyone else's dogs too! She thought her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews were AWESOME.
She was awesome. She made this world more awesome and fun.
Forever in my heart, Aunt Joyce.
Love always and until we meet again...
Alicia, Mike, Lena, Juliet, and of course, Henry.
Jeff Feldmann
March 12, 2017
Joyce was a wonderful woman. She was a dear friend and we treated each other like family. I enjoyed her company and her cooking and always felt welcome at her home. I will miss her greatly and I want her to know I loved her too. May she be at peace and comfort in Heaven.
Paul Cheryl Pontillo
March 12, 2017
Dear Dear Joyce you will always be fondly remembered in my heart and gods speed my friend
John Wilson
March 12, 2017
Our deepest sympathy! I'm sure that Joyce and Rosemary, Lena and Joe are sitting around the kitchen table somewhere having coffee. May they all rest in peace.
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
Michele McKee
March 12, 2017
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John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc. - Erie2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502
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