Joyce Donna Schug

Joyce D. Schug, 83, of Lavallette, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, September 5, 2025. Born and raised in Bayonne, Joyce was the daughter of the late Joseph and Aldona Balchunas. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Robert, for 58 years. A loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be deeply missed by her two daughters, brother, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

For decades, Joyce was instrumental in the success of her husband's plumbing business in Point Pleasant while raising their two daughters. Her sharp wit and incredible intelligence were known to all. She was named valedictorian of her eighth-grade class and was a whiz at puzzles -- Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy -- she knew every answer. A true role model, she inspired countless women with her elegance and brilliance.

Joyce underwent open heart surgery in 1989 to replace two of her heart valves. At the time of her passing, her original valves had never been re-replaced, leading her doctors to believe she was the unofficial record holder for the world's oldest artificial heart valves. While the surgery was life-saving it caused her heart to enlarge, so family often commented that her heart was both, literally and figuratively, incredibly large.

Joyce made an astonishing recovery from a near fatal illness in 2023. With sheer courage and determination, and the support of her family, neighbors, friends, doctors and the staff of Rose Garden Rehabilitation Center, she returned home and lived independently until her death. Despite her significant underlying health issues, she rarely complained and maintained her memory and keen wit, which was exhibited on a daily basis, until the very end.

She was a devoted volunteer fundraiser for Deborah Hospital Foundation contributing many hours to raising money for the heart and lung hospital, which treats anyone with respiratory or pulmonary issues, regardless of their ability to pay.

Joyce loved to share good meals (especially champagne brunches) with her family, neighbors and friends, which made for many fun and happy memories. However, she also cherished time on her own as it allowed her to enjoy her love of reading. When the weather was nice, you could often find her reading by her pool.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Kenneth Balchunas of Florida. She is also survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Susan and Antonio Mendes of Arizona, and Karen and Kenneth Kloo of Toms River. She leaves behind four grandchildren: Caroline Cateil and her husband Aaron of Arizona; Olivia Mendes of Arizona; Alex Kloo and his wife Winne of New York (parents of Joyce's great-granddaughter, Eloise); and Adam Kloo and his wife Mary of Howell Township. She also leaves behind her only nephew, of whom she was very proud, Eric Balchunas, and his family, of Pennsylvania.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Beachwood Community Center in Beachwood, New Jersey. Memorial donations to Deborah Hospital Foundation are appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting: www.ryanfuneralhome.com (http://www.ryanfuneralhome.com/).