Joyce Gottlieb Wisnesky, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2022 at The Reserve (Memory Care Unit) in East Longmeadow, MA. Joyce was born in Framingham, MA to Leopold and Lois Heard Gottlieb on April 22, 1931. Joyce grew up with her 2 sisters and 3 brothers in Chaplin, CT and often talked about the joys of country living and growing up on her father’s farm. They established a strong sibling bond and their love for one another was evident as witnessed by all the Gottlieb cousins. In 1949, Joyce graduated from Windham High School. She then enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 18 and served as an encryption specialist during the Korean War. After 4 years of service, Joyce joined the Air National Guard and fell in love with her trainer, Leonard (Lenny). They were married for 32 years until his death.
While raising her 4 children, Joyce worked at Package Machinery in East Longmeadow, MA and was always lending a hand to many of the clubs, community events, and sports that her children were part of in the Enfield community. As a grandmother, Joyce proudly attended numerous concerts, school programs, and sporting events to cheer on her grandchildren.
When asked the question – “What is the key to a happy life?”, Joyce replied, “Keep busy all the time and help others.” She participated in many clubs and organizations. She was proud to be a member of the Women in the Air Force (WAF) program and looked forward to attending their annual reunions. Joyce was honored numerous times by the CT Air National Guard Family Program for her volunteer work. She volunteered at the Enfield Senior Center, especially helping with the community garden, and the Enfield Food Shelf. She also joined the Red Hat Society and was always ready for a card game. Later in life, Joyce became a decorative painter and as a member of the “Busy Brushes” created and sold many beautiful works of art.
Besides her husband Leonard, Joyce is predeceased by her parents, her brothers David and Benjamin Gottlieb and sister Barbara Lucas. Joyce is survived by her brother Robert Gottlieb and his wife, Betty of Enfield, CT; sister Marjorie Lavoie of Pinehurst, NC; daughters Theresa and her husband Scott Kozaczka of Enfield, CT and Nancy and husband Mark Feraco of Milford, NH; sons Leo and wife Laura Wisnesky of Enfield, CT and Mark and wife Annie of E. Dennis, MA. Joyce was a loving grandmother of: Bryon (Allison) Kozaczka, Anthony Kozaczka, Nicholas Kozaczka, Elizabeth (Steve) McSweeney, Eileen (Kyle) McSweeney, Katrina Feraco, Anastasia Feraco, Matthew (Olivia) Wisnesky, Adam (Grace) Wisnesky, Brooke (Nick) Veilleux, Gianna Wisnesky and Samuel Wisnesky. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Emery Veilleux and many nieces and nephews.
Joyce will always be remembered for her positive attitude, welcoming smile, and passion to help others. Her family would like to thank all her caregivers both from Companions and Homemakers and The Reserve Memory Care Unit for their kindness and dedication to Joyce during her final years.
Relatives and friends may join the family on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm followed by a Prayer Service at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield. The family has requested mask be worn during inside services. Interment with military honors will then take place in the Enfield Street Cemetery, Enfield. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Enfield Food Shelf, 786 Enfield St. Enfield, CT 06082 or Alzheimers Association, CT Chapter 200 Executive Blvd., 4B Southington, CT 06489-1058.