Shorewood, Wisconsin
Jun 16, 1926 – Dec 27, 2015 (Age 89)
Joy, Helene E.
Entered into the Fullness of Eternal Life on Sunday, December 27, 2015, at the age of 89. Resident of Milwaukee, formerly of Shorewood. Cherished and loving aunt of Jeff (Christine Madden) Shellito, Michael (Jan) Shellito, Dave O'Meara, M.J. (Jon Spelt) O'Meara, Monica (Mark Szaflarski) O'Meara, Anne O'Meara (Michael) Stillwell, Jack (Bridget) O'Meara, Jane (Alan Purintun) O'Meara, Lisa (Doug Porter) Joy, Sheila Joy and Patrick (fiancé Barbara Cowart) Joy. Further survived by brother-in-law Robert O'Meara and sister-in-law of Hilda Joy. Helene was adored by 16 great nieces and nephews, other relatives and cherished friends.
Helene was born to David and Helen (nee Lawless) Joy and grew up on a farm near Seneca, Wisconsin, on "Irish Ridge" above the Mississippi River. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved siblings Maurice Joy, Mary Shellito, Margaret O'Meara and James Joy.
Helene graduated from Seneca High School and Mount Mary College. She also studied at Mexico City College, UW-Madison, Columbia University, Marquette University and Universidad de Duesto in Bilbao, Spain. She was proud to have spent her career teaching Spanish in Wisconsin public schools especially Washington and Vincent High Schools in Milwaukee. She traveled extensively, living for a year in Spain and spending summers in Ireland and New York City. After retirement, Helene spent many winters in Scottsdale, Arizona. She lived the last few years at the Milwaukee Catholic Home where she especially enjoyed lectures, music and book club as well as the kindness of the staff. Helene had many friends and had close relationships with her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 2, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Milwaukee Catholic Home, 2462 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, followed by the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private for the family. Memorials in Helene's name may be made to Holy Family Parish, the Center for Working Families in Quito, Ecuador, (c4wf.org) or the charity of your choice.
Ms. Joy was my Spanish teacher at Washington High school back in 1969. She was an excellent teacher and a very kind and caring lady. She touched many lives while on this earth. I will think of her often, and when I do, I will smile. God bless your soul Ms Joy.
Mary Henderson-Emmons
January 26, 2016 | Milwaukee, WI
I knew Helene from being her hairdresser for many years ! We had a lot of laughs and agreed on many things . We knew many of the same people and that made us closer . She was a loving and caring person . When she stopped coming to see me she would call me and just ask how i was doing ! Always had others on her mind . Heaven has received another wonderful lady ! I was blessed to know her !
Nancy Hahn
nancy hahn
January 03, 2016 | Milwaukee, WI
I feel blessed to be related to this amazing woman! She was best friends with my grandparents and I enjoyed seeing her at their place, especially at cocktail hour! Running in to her at Irish fest was also a highlight of my year. Its been awhile since I saw Helene but just the thought of her puts a smile on my face! Love you Helene!
Maripat (Hilbert) Collins
January 02, 2016 | Milwaukee, WI
Helene was quite simply, the best!! She was so well loved and respected by all at Milwaukee Catholic Home, both staff and residents. So many of us considered her our friend and will miss her presence, her smile, her feisty attitude, her kind actions and words! We know how much her nieces and nephews loved her and hope that you all know that we are remembering you and your families along with Helene in our thoughts and prayers.
We will miss her so, but know that alot of people in heaven...
Anne Catalane
December 31, 2015 | Milwaukee, WI
Helene will be missed dearly. She was always gracious, kind and had an incredible wit!! She was a very important part of the Buchholtz family!
Lee&Robin Buchholtz
December 29, 2015 | Oconomowoc, WI
Ms. Joy loved and guided so many of us students fay beyond the Spanish language and Latino culture she inbred in us as high school students: she knew and loved us personally, deeply, and held us to our own highest potential with such full unconditional love, we became That, and have walked with her always throughout life. Serving her Calling harvested multitudes of fully bloomed souls, many who would have become completely lost without her.
Doreen (Kruse) Lopes, VHS 1986
December 28, 2015 | Williams Bay, WI
I met Helene this past August when I started working as the receptionist at the Milwaukee Catholic Home Residence. Helene made me feel so welcomed. She would give me a call at the front desk on Fridays to wish me a good weekend. I am so glad to have known Helene. I hope her family and friends are comforted by an outpouring of love and support.
Rachel Newson
December 28, 2015 | Milwaukee, WI