Joyce Elaine Schindler

Joyce Elaine Schindler, 83, of Fairfield, passed away with family by her side August 9, 2024. She was born in Berwyn, Illinois, and graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. She worked in Chicago for several years before relocating to the Bay Area. There she completed her Associate’s Degree from the College of San Mateo. One of her jobs in the 1960s was at TWA, which sparked a lifelong passion for travel, including a notable trip to the USSR during the Cold War. Joyce loved to attend the San Francisco Opera, try out new restaurants, and contribute her time to charity work as a clown.

In her 50's, Joyce embraced a new chapter by completing her college education and answering a calling to become a Deaconess. She graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1994 and was consecrated as a Deaconess. She then spent time in New York and St. Louis serving at Lutheran nursing homes, before settling in Fairfield to be near her immediate family. 

After moving to Fairfield, she became involved in Fairfield’s First Lutheran Church, including singing in the choir. As a deaconess she also visited nursing homes and homebound church members to spend time and give communion. 

While Joyce’s favorite subject in school had always been art, it wasn’t until retirement that she picked up quilting, pastels, watercolors, pottery, jewelry making, and more. She also became very active with the Sac and Fox Lapidary Club, and greatly enjoyed trying new recipes and spending time with her friends and family.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Richard Schindler (June) of Fairfield; her niece, Melinda Perez and family of Charlottesville, Virginia; and her niece, Suzannah Nevas (Isaac) of Fairfield.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A visitation will be 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to services, and a reception at her family’s home will follow afterwards. The funeral service will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in-person. Contact Suzannah at suzannahnevas@gmail.com to receive a link with instructions. The burial will be held the following day, August 16th at 1:00pm at Chapel Hills Gardens in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Joyce asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to First Lutheran Church in Fairfield, or the Lutheran Diaconal Association, 1304 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.