Joyce Giardina

Joyce Giardina
Edwardsville - Joyce Giardina, a lifelong resident of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away with family by her side on February 13, 2026. Born on January 25, 1932, she was the daughter of Edward and Grace Arth. A 1950 graduate of Edwardsville High School, Joyce married the love of her life, Joseph Giardina, on May 24, 1952.
After raising her children, Joyce began a fulfilling career at the SIUE Library, eventually retiring as the Director of Interlibrary Loan. In her retirement, she remained active by assisting Joe with his business, Joe's Pipe Repair and Imports. Together, they shared a love for travel, whether for business or for cherished trips to Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Joyce was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville. She served on numerous committees and was an active member of the Ladies Guild for many years. Above all, Joyce was a devoted grandmother who loved nothing more than playing with her grandchildren and sharing stories with them.
Joyce is survived by:
• Daughters: Jenna Highlander (Ken) and Jill Beck (Bud Harrison).
• Grandchildren: Amanda Highlander (Allen), Nathan Beck (Emily), and Emily Beck (Peter).
• Great-Grandchildren: Gwendolyn, Rosalie, Sophia, Noah, Luke, Jack, and Ella.
• Sister: Viola (Arth) Hessel, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; her sisters, Evelyn Mahalic (Steve), Iola Henderson (Gordon), and Loretta Henry (Nelson); her brothers, Alvin Arth (Mary) and Ervin Arth; her brother-in-law, Raymond Hessel; and sister-in-law, Nancy Giardina.
A celebration of the lives of Joyce and Joe will be held at a later date following the interment of their ashes.