Joyce Carol Schleininger

(1941-2010)
Joyce Carol Schleininger, surrounded by her loved ones, died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of October 17th, 2010.

Joyce was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After high school, she worked for 5 years in the Insurance Industry and for an Industrial engineering firm in Midtown, Manhattan. On January 18, 1964 in New York City, Joyce married her departed husband Charles R. Schleininger III. Because of his work for various defense contractors, Joyce and Charles moved several times over the next five years and lived all over the country including such places as: Coronado, CA, Bridgeport, CN, Honolulu HI, and Dallas TX before arriving in the Hanford area in 1969.

Joyce was a devoted wife and mother. Since her husband worked for over 22 years at LNAS, she became a volunteer for the Navy League and was a beloved member of the LNAS community. Three of her children attended St. Rose/Thomas McCarthy Memorial School and Hanford High School. Joyce was a tireless volunteer and supporter of all of her children's activities. Along with her husband, she was also an outstanding softball coach in ASA.

In addition, Joyce was an excellent employee who worked for years for the Hanford Elementary School district and the Kings County Welfare Department. One of her proudest personal achievements was earning her Bachelor's Degree from Chapman University in 1998.

Joyce had been retired since 2003. In her retirement, she moved to Grover Beach, CA for a couple years and then moved back to Brooklyn in 2005. She just recently returned to Hanford to be closer with the rest of her family.

Up until her death, she fought tirelessly for the rights of the physically and mentally disabled in the state of California. She fought not only on behalf of her daughter, but also on behalf of those who needed assistance too. Her work will now be continued by her children.

Joyce is survived by her four children: Monica Biernat and her husband Gerry of Culver City, CA, Kirsten Barnes and her husband Rick of Lemoore, CA, Cynthia D. Schleininger of Clovis, CA and Kurtis A. Schleininger of Grover Beach, CA and one grandchild.

Joyce's beloved dog Sam, died at the age of 14 in January, and her other dog Rusty will be cared for by her son.

A Celebration of Life, "Joyce's Jazzy Last Jam," will be held this Saturday, November 6th, 2010 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Irwin Street Inn. It is a reception open to friends and family. Please stop by at any time.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation, you may do so to the following organizations: Kings Regional Health Foundation (Hospice Care) 1021 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230; KINGS SPCA 8084 Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; Kings County Animal Services/Pet Adoption 10909 Bonneyview Lane, Hanford, CA 93230

Arrangements are under the direction of People's Funeral Chapel in Hanford.