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Joyce Ann Dawidczyk

Saturday, March 28, 2015

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Don B posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

sorry to hear so late of her passing, she was a way cool gal

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Patty Anderson Hooks and family posted a condolence

Monday, April 6, 2015

Hello to all, I'm very sad to learn of Joyce's passing. We had a close friendship for many years when she was in Texas--really Joyce was family. We celebrated work accomplishments together, birthdays, holidays, the births of my kids, new homes and all the everyday joys that life brings. I could not bring myself to notify Joyce of my husband, Bill's passing last August. Those two were kindred pranksters. I remember when we all went to the texas coast and Bill was able to push and pull Joyce through the sand-what a lovely time we had! She shook sand out of her wheelchair for months! Joyce was always so proud of Ross. Joyce is remembered with love and fondness. sending our love and sympathy to each of you, Patty, Christina and Allison Hooks

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Garth Corbett posted a condolence

Saturday, April 4, 2015

It was such a joy to have known Joyce. She was strong-willed, independent, intelligent, caring, kind and resilient person. Joyce had such a remarkable spirit. But it was the stories about Joyce and her determination to make life better for others that helped me realize just how many lives Joyce has touched. I am a better person because of Joyce. I will never forget her. May she rest in peace.

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Marcia Finton posted a condolence

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Dear Mrs. Dawidczyk, A former administrator at Maine East e-mailed me to let me know of Joyce's passing. In the 31 years that I taught Special Education, Joyce was by far one of the best students I ever had. Obviously she had tremendous intellect and tenacity to graduate with a degree in Social Work. I know that when you, your husband, and Joyce visited me at Maine East, she felt that the program had not really helped her and that it needed to be different. I am sorry that she didn't feel positive about her experience, but I am very glad that she went on and did what she wanted to do with her life. Joyce also said that she was starting to experiencing Polio-like symptoms. Joyce certainly didn't deserve that after all she had already gone through in her life. I have talked many times over the years about Joyce and her incredible drive, and the support your family gave her in her desire to succeed. Sincerely, Marcia Finton

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Doug Harrision posted a condolence

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

To Joyce's Family, 40 years ago I was one of Joyce's teachers at Maine East High School. She was in my American Government class. I have remembered her with fondness and respect ever since. She was smart, funny, and involved in that class -- a teacher's joy. She overcame her disability to live life enthusiastically, and she has a permanent place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you today as you celebrate her life. Doug Harrison

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Stan Kerr posted a condolence

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

My condolences go to Joyce's family and friends. I met Joyce around 1979 when I met my partner Bruce; he, Barbara and Lynne were buddies of Joyce at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Joyce was thin and gangly, with posture like a bent pin, and prone to spastic movements, but always articulate and upbeat. (South Park had a Thanksgiving episode featuring a disabled turkey that couldn't keep its head up; that was Joyce.) Her close friends always understood her mumble, aimed apparently at the floor, but I had trouble and was greatly embarrassed. Laughter and joking was a hallmark of her interactions with friends; she had a loud cackle -- called 'the chickens coming home' by friends -- which always startled people in public. She was much loved, and much missed when she undertook the adventure of moving to Austin, though friends did visit. I will remember and miss her.

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Bruce Stoffel posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Dawidczyk family. I met Joyce when we were both students at UIUC. We were part of a group that hung out together regularly, especially during summers in Urbana-Champaign. Joyce was the person in our group to whom we all looked when our mood was too serious. She always had a smile, and her quick wit was amazing. There weren't many things Joyce wouldn't try at least once ... she was not about to let physical barriers or prejudice get in her way. I fondly remember our group trip to the Miss Wheelchair Illinois pageant in Carbondale in the summer of 1978. To no one's surprise, Joyce was named Miss Congeniality and regaled the crowd with her dreams of world peace (with a sly smile, of course). I also remember the good times we all had when visiting Joyce in Austin. I thank God for taking Joyce to a place where she will no longer suffer from her many illnesses of the past twenty years. I imagine she is already joking with the angels. Godspeed, dear friend.

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Shirley & Mark DeBerry posted a condolence

Monday, March 30, 2015

Our condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joyce leaves us with so many wonderful memories that we will always treasure. I miss Joyce and her wonderful, fun sense of humor. I will always appreciate the work Joyce did on behalf of persons with disabilities.

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David Pitonyak posted a condolence

Monday, March 30, 2015

Joyce was a good friend and mentor. She was a community leader and a brilliant teacher. Through the clarity of her writing and the singularity of her wit, she was able to point in the direction of common sense, when what was common was exclusive and hurtful to so many. I will miss her story telling and her laugh. And I know she will be missed by her family most of all. My condolences to Paul and others. Your sister was a hero of mine. Warmly, David

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Deborah Langerman posted a condolence

Monday, March 30, 2015

Dear Dawidczyk Family, I was a friend of Joyce's way back when, when she lived in Champaign-Urbana. Originally she was a student of mine at Unit One in Allen Hall....but, we hit it off, and spent good times together as friends during the time she lived there. I have extremely fond memories of her....her sense of humor, her sharp mind and wit, her politics, and her positive approach to life. I always had a blast when we were together. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. I hope that you can all find some solace in how well she was loved by so many people who you never met. Fondly...........Deborah Langerman

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Mim Seabury posted a condolence

Monday, March 30, 2015

Paul, I'm so sorry for your Family's loss. Losing a sibling is something you never get over, but you will carry her with you in your heart every day. I pray you and you Family find peaceful days ahead. Mim

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Kathy Cloutier posted a condolence

Monday, March 30, 2015

Paul, I'm sorry to hear of your sisters' passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy

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Chris Strickling posted a condolence

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Thinking of all of you who loved and cared for Joyce, especially for the last few years. She was an incredible friend to me, a woman with fierce politics and a sharp critical analysis, and, still, a heart of love and joy. Living her life took courage and a good sense of humor. She grabbed life and shook it, lived it, loved it, despite the obstacles she faced. Her writing, her performance work in Actual Lives Austin, and her activism was filled with the kind of intelligent and feisty spark that moved us all. I speak for the many people in her Austin, Texas family when I say that her passing is a sad moment for us all, and an occasion for us to be grateful for her profound contributions to our lives and to the disability community here. -- Chris Strickling

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