Joyce Deleo

JOYCE DELEO was born in Paducah, Kentucky on November 24, 1936. She attended elementary school in Riverside, California. The Poly High graduate that was queen of the Job's Daughters had her life changed by a pie in the face from a football player that was attending Riverside City College. That man, Gerald Deleo, would be her husband for over 54 years. Joyce would eventually receive her Bachelors degree with the goal of being a teacher. She had taught piano as a way to pay for her education. She never taught school, but she loved to learn by reading up to three books per week. She was not known to get many hours of sleep. Once she got involved in the community there was much to accomplish. She accumulated awards such as the Corona Citizen of the Year, Honorary Member of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, and the chamber at the Lee Lake Water District now bears her name for her many years being an officer on the Board of Directors. Her involvement in MAC has helped to shape the Temescal Valley. Recently a county regional park near Sycamore Creek was named Deleo Regional Park for her contributions to the community. She was one of the first Pink Lady hospital volunteers while dabbling in modeling. Joyce became involved in meeting directly with Corona gang members in the late 1970's to help the groups to co-exist. She was a founder of the Temescal Community Fair that now has thousands of attendees annually. Where she saw a need she responded while handling all the office duties for Corona Clay Company by herself for many years. Having her and Gerald's Corona Clay Trucks driving by her friend's houses on Main Street led to her involvement with the I-15 Freeway and it eventually being built. An Angels fan from the day they moved to Anaheim, she listened to all the games on the radio, watched them on TV or in person. She cried with joy as they won the Championship in 2001. Her favorite vacations were at her second home in Hawaii with all the family by her side. She loved to work in the garden where her back, that had been broken, couldn't slow her down. Her biggest contribution of all was her involvement with her family. For her three children, Craig Deleo, Cindy Deleo and Candice Ward, and her six grandchildren, Brandon Ward, Kiana Deleo, Ayrton Ward, Alain Ward, Siena Ward, and Kasondra Deleo, Joyce never missed a game, concert, recital or race. She supported her son-in-law, Jeff Ward, traveling across the United States and abroad, helping with the grandchildren, as he raced Motocross and Indy Cars. She enjoyed her neighbors' and friends' company. Joyce battled ovarian cancer for over six years and she never let it slow her down. Her cause of death was listed as sleep apnea. She finally got to sleep and it wasn't her style. She was known to only hear when she could help and asked for little in return. For many she will be missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10 from 4-7pm at the home of the Temescal Valley Fair, 23100 Temescal Canyon Road, Corona, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Temescal Heritage Foundation at 27431 Enterprise Circle West, Suite 201, Temecula, CA 92590. (951) 676-7000, ext. 224. Arrangements Entrusted to: FD66 - (951) 737-3244