Obituary of Joyce Marie Thurston

JOYCE M. THURSTON (nee Parker), 94, of Jefferson, passed away on February 28, 2015 in Naperville, IL surrounded by her family. She was born on May 20, 1920, daughter of the late Warren and Pearl (Kitchen) Parker. She married Leo Thurston on May 4, 1946 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Plainfield, WI. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2006. Joyce attended Wautoma Normal School where she received her teaching certificate. Following her graduation, she taught in Hancock-area schools. Joyce worked at Badger Ordinance, near Baraboo, WI during World War II. Following her marriage, she and Leo moved to Jefferson, WI where they raised their family. Joyce was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and volunteered for St. Vincent De Paul for over 20 years. She is survived by her son, Greg (Betty) Thurston of New Berlin, WI, Three daughters, Sandy (Jack) Ryan of Naperville, IL, Debby Annunziata of Lannon, WI Jody Thurston of Arlington Heights, IL. five grandchildren, Michelle (Graylan) Valentine of Chicago, IL, Ryan Thurston of Milwaukee, WI, Emily Annunziata of Milwaukee, WI, Jenna (Tom) Ryan-Garcia of Plainfield, IL, Erin Ryan of Chicago, IL, and two great grandsons, Mason Garcia and Blake Valentine and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo A. Thurston and her sister, Fern Walbruck. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:30 am at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home in Jefferson, with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in the Hancock Cemetery in Hancock, WI. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday March 14, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities of choice in Joyce's memory. Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in his memory.