Joyce Mae Torcise

1936 - 2023

Joyce Mae Torcise
April 30, 1936 - June 21, 2023
Homestead, Florida - Joyce Mae Torcise, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Homestead, Florida on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Born on April 30, 1936 in Syracuse, New York, Joyce was the youngest child born to Walter and Pearl Ott. At the age of 12, Joyce left New York and moved to Homestead, Florida, where she attended Redland Jr. and Sr. High schools.
On June 15, 1957, Joyce married the love of her life, Steve Torcise Sr, and the pair spent 60 wonderful years dedicated to each other. Steve and Joyce raised two children, Stefano Jr. and Sandra Lynne, and were blessed with four beloved grandchildren.
Joyce was an elegant woman who carried herself with grace and poise. She had a sweet smile and contagious laugh, which she bestowed upon everyone lucky enough to know her. She was a phenomenal hostess and chef, whose warmth was matched by her skill and attention to detail in everything she did. On top of it all, she was a gifted athlete, who enjoyed fishing and playing tennis. But her favorite title was Nonni, a name her grandchildren affectionately called her.
Family traditions and values were extremely important to Joyce. She served both by turning her kitchen into a "cooking school" for her family, where she passed down delicious Italian family recipes. The tradition is cherished by her children and grandchildren, who proudly carry this on in her honor. She was loved by all and will be dearly missed.
She is predeceased by her husband, Stefano Torcise Sr., two siblings, Walter Ott Jr. and Robert Ott, and son-in-law, Victor Fuller. She is survived by her two children, Stefano Joseph Torcise Jr. and Sandra Torcise Fuller. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Karen Torcise, grandchildren Gabriella Torcise, Stefano Torcise III, Domenica Spradley (Fuller) Olivia Fuller, grandchild-in-law, Walter Spradley, sister-in-law Adell Torcise (Sam), and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 SW 117th Avenue Miami, FL 33186, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a service to follow.