Joyce Elaine Kirila

1940 - 2022

Joyce Elaine (Kushner) Kirila, 81, of Brookfield entered eternal rest at her residence on March 17, 2022, following a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Born May 13, 1940, to John and Margaret Kushner, Joyce and her sister/best friend, Maggie were raised in Masury, OH. Joyce was a member of the 1958 graduating class of Brookfield High School, where she was a cheerleader and on the homecoming court.

She married George Kirila on June 15, 1963. While raising five children, Joyce, at the age of 38, went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in education and later obtained her master's degree from Youngstown State University.

Joyce taught in the Brookfield School district for 30 years before retiring. Many of her previous students have dubbed her as their "favorite teacher" as she would go above and beyond to make learning fun and interesting. She was also an avid reader, always with a book on her nightstand.

Joyce was a devout Catholic. Every Sunday she would bring her five children to mass at St. Bernadette Church. She later became a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna, OH.

Joyce had a beautiful smile and kind personality. She had a lifelong love for fashion and had a graceful and iconic "Jacque Kennedy" style. One of her first jobs was working at Garrett's women's fashion store in downtown Sharon. She took great pride in her home and yard and loved her Collie dogs. Joyce enjoyed playing tennis, golf and following the Cleveland Indians baseball team. She always looked forward to attending her grandchildren's sporting events over the years. Joyce was always about family and made sure all of her children and husband were loved and cared for.

She spent annual vacations at the Jersey shore with family and friends. She took a memorable one-month trip across the country to California with her husband and five children in the family's station wagon. Joyce also traveled internationally - her favorite destination was the Isle of Capri.

Joyce belonged to the 12 Cards Club since the age of 18 and continued to get together monthly with her lifelong friends until her illness. Her card club friends were very dear to her and brought her much joy and happiness. Joyce had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around.

Joyce, affectionately known as "Grammy" in her later years, was blessed with 10 grandchildren and one great granddaughter: Jay, Joshua, Jacob and Jett Leipheimer, Luke and Blasé Hudson, Lane and Cole Voytik, Cecilia and Blaine Collins, and Isla Grace Hudson.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents John and Margaret Kushner; and her husband of 56 years, George A. Kirila.

In addition to her grandchildren, she leaves behind a sister, Maggie Kushner, who was very instrumental in caring for Joyce over the course of her illness, of Brookfield; a God daughter Erin Mutscheller, San Diego, CA; a brother-in-law, Ron Kirila Brookfield; a sister-in-law, Gloria Kirila, also Brookfield; a former sister-in-law, Ruthy Kirila, Port St Lucie, FL; a daughter, Dr. Lori Leipheimer, Hermitage; former son-in-law, Jay Leipheimer; a son, George "Dutch" Kirila, who served as Joyce's primary caregiver, Brookfield; a daughter, Pamela Hudson, son-in -law, Mark Hudson, Transfer; a daughter, Stephanie Voytik, son- in- law Brian, Sharon; and daughter, Jill Kirila and son-in-law, Alex Collins, Columbus, OH.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all who cared for Joyce. Joyce was able to remain in her residence until her final day with the help and support from hospice, caregivers, friends, and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871; inquires may be sent via email to: .

Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (3-23-22) in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 4453 Warren-Sharon Rd., Vienna, OH.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, in the church, with Rev. Scott Kopp, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: Brookfield Township Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral luncheon following the Mass at noon located in Ballroom 1 of the Avalon Grand Resort, 9519 E Market St, Warren, OH 44484.