Joyce Lynne Miekis

Joyce Lynne Martin, born November 10, 1935, in Toledo, Ohio, to John and Eva (Lohner) Critzer, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 89. A proud 1953 graduate of Libbey High School, she cherished lifelong bonds with her "Libbey girls," reuniting monthly for lunches filled with laughter and shared stories of their experiences raising children and husbands. After losing her own husband, Robert J Martin, in 1980, Joyce fearlessly fought troubled times. She was known for juggling up to three jobs at a time. Secretary, realtor, painter, among others. As a single mother, she was the unstoppable heart of her chaotic, loving family, raising her five rambunctious children-Mike (Cheryl), Brent (Beth), Kristin (Tony), and Ryan (Kerry) -with fierce determination and endless love. A woman of incredibly radiant beauty and boundless warmth, Joyce drew friends wherever she went, whether team curling or singing in the Rossford choir. She began her career at Houghton Elevator, worked as a rate clerk for Suburban Motor Freight and later as the assistant to the dean of physical therapy at the University of Toledo Medical Center. It was at the medical center, she made a dear friend who later became her daughter in law. She married Dale Miekis later in life and delighted in her new step daughters, daughters in law, and yes, even another son, as well as their children and grandchildren. Joyce's passions wove joy into her life, and into the lives around her. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she tended flowers with the same care she gave her family. Her adventurous spirit took her all over the world. She especially loved traveling with family, and could be found every spring in Mazatlan with sisters Bobbie Labriola and Jackie (Cal) Smith, or in California visiting her beloved sister Treva. Joyce is survived by her children, step children, and many grand and great grand children, and who were her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eva Lohner Critzer, beloved sister Treva, first husband Robert John, her second husband Dale Miekis, and her son, David Martin. Joyce's giving soul made her the heart of every gathering. Her love was a beacon, guiding her family through many storms. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd on Tuesday, August 12, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at Toledo Memorial Park. The family would like to thank Elara Care Hospice and Parkcliffe for the exceptional support, and the loving care shown to our mother. In addition, we would like to recognize the commitment of her son and daughter in law, Mike and Cheryl Martin, for their endless love and devotion during her illness. Donations can be made to Elara Care Hospice.