Joyce Westin Dunne. Age 89, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 23, 2023 at her home in Chicago-just shy of her 90th birthday on May 6th. She was vivacious, energetic, and known for her quick wit, incisive mind, spirited humor, kindness and sartorial elegance -traits that characterized her behavior and style until the end. Until four months before her death she was still exercising with her cherished group of girlfriends.

Joyce was proud of the accomplished family she left behind, which includes her daughters Jessica Lagrange (Steve Johnson) and Christina Dunne -Anderson; grandchildren Christophe (Kelly) and Lucien Remy Lagrange. Her beloved great-granddaughter Rae Lagrange. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Dunne; her parents, George and Clara Westin; and her sister Joan Westin (Vern) Wendt. She was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Joyce graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago's Lincoln Square and began her career as a fashion and runway model. After 25 years, she went on to establish her own event planning businesses, where she produced all types of private and corporate events. Her business was tremendously successful due to her creativity, eye for detail, innovative mindset, sophisticated taste and outgoing personality. Thanks to these qualities, she became known as an icon in the wedding planning industry and was often quoted in the most renowned national bridal publications due to her keen, perceptive, and always honest industry observations.

In truth, these qualities defined Joyce her entire life. She had an eye for quality, beauty and detail, and everything she did reflected her impeccable style and taste. These qualities served her well in other beloved pursuits, from helping her husband garden to frequenting antique markets and designer resale and thrift shops, where she always found well-priced and exquisite treasures. Not surprisingly, Joyce was also a devoted, much beloved and esteemed volunteer at the Mount Sinai Resale Shop. She was an excellent hostess at dinner parties in her home, where her warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome and adored.

Joyce Westin Dunne will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of elegance, grace and kindness will be cherished forever. A private funeral service will be held for her family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that her many treasured friends and acquaintances raise a glass of good wine in her honor. It's what Joyce would have wanted.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Dunne

8 Entries

Nitin

April 24, 2024

I remember meeting Joyce for lunch as an assistant to a leader in catering. I was there to take notes for an upcoming event. As the business side of the discussion ended the entree came and we discussed many topics. It came up that she was a model. She spoke frankly about her experience. She also informed me of some clients I knew were models when she modeled. I was fascinated. As she rattled off names. Rattled of a name I recognized. "Really? She was a model? Wow!", Joyce responded "Yes", and with the right pause then innocently said "But she mostly did hand jobs" at which point I began to choke on the ice tea I was sipping! As I coughed and gagged she looked worried and my boss glanced at me as he was aware of the 2 meanings of that statement. After recovering my boss politely informed Joyce what the 2nd meaning of that statement was. She just smiled and said "oh" and took a bite of her meal and looked up at me and winked. Years later as worked with her directly I reminded her of our first meeting and what happened. She smiled and just said well "I speak plainly". She had an amazing sense of humor.

Immanuel Carr

December 30, 2023

I met Joyce in her latter years during my time working at Mt. Sinai. She was always full of life, funny, and kind. There was a certain level of energy she possessed everytime I saw her that made her so unique in my eyes. It was a pleasure to know her, even if it was for a short time. She was a good soul and will truly be missed.

Pamela Sherrod Anderson

Sent Flowers

Laurie Demetrio

Planted Trees

Lynne Easter

April 30, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. So enjoyed her love of life, humor, & good taste. She was a treasure.

D D

April 30, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Nitin Vyas

April 29, 2023

I've had the pleasure of working with Joyce on many events. She will always be the joyful graceful lady I so throughly enjoyed working with in any capacity. She is part of one of my earliest experiences as I first came on to the scene of events as an assistant. The stories is off-color so I won't repeat it. Joyce didn't initially know her statement had double meaning in 1990's slang-terms, when she was told what it meant she handled it with a coy response which was disarming and made us all laugh hysterically. Such quick wit! She always made me laugh which I so appreciate. She will be missed though her wit, teachings and elegance will live on in many shared experiences.

The Staff of Ryan-Parke Funeral Home

April 30, 2023

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

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