Dr. Joy Stewart Wassel

Dr. Joy Stewart Wassel, a long time resident of PA, passed away on 1/25/2022, in Los Angeles County, CA. She had just celebrated her 80th birthday. Joy was a loving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grammy and Friend. Joy was born on December 4th, 1941 the daughter of the late Helga and William DeWald of Illinois. After losing her mother at the age of 3, Joy's natural family was scattered and she lived with several families along the east coast until she was adopted by the late Charlotte and John Stewart of Langhorne at the age of 8. Love, learning, and healing were the focus of her life. After marrying her husband Robert and having two daughters (Chari and Tricia), Joy decided to continue her education obtaining a BA in theology from Goddard College, a MA in psychology from Villanova University and finally a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Joy had great compassion for all living beings and continued to study Psychology in order to help others. She offered counseling services to those in need, regardless of fee. Joy first moved to CA to study Primal therapy and ended up living in CA at three different points in her life. Joy and her husband Bob also resided in Douglassville GA for several years. Joy touched many wherever she went. Her intelligence and deep compassion led Joy to be a counselor, a therapist, a teacher, a writer and finally a life coach. Joy was also a great lover of nature, especially ducks and trees, and always found a park near her residence each time that she moved. She shared her love and many talents with her late husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Joy was fortunate to find love twice in her life. First with her husband Robert Wassel, and then with her boyfriend and partner Larry Yates. Joy moved back to CA in 2020 to be with Larry and we are grateful for the love and care he provided to her in the last part of her life. Joy is survived by her boyfriend Larry Yates, brother Richard DeWald, sister Bonnie Ross, daughters Chari Friel and Patricia Wassel, son-in-law Michael Friel, grandchildren Erica (& Kevin) Raftery and Evan Friel, and great grandson Tyler Raftery, as well as the following nieces & nephews with their families: Carrie Jeffrey, Chris Walsh, Cyndy Moyer, Richard DeWald Jr., Tanya Ross Spaetti and Crystal Constanzo Teller. Joy was deeply loved by many additional family members and friends, and she will be greatly missed. We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating Joy's life and legacy on Sunday March 13th at the Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Life Celebration Home in East Norriton PA. Visitors will be received between 2:00 – 3:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served at 4PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.