WAYLAND: Joyce (Nolan) Straka, 88, died peacefully and comfortably surrounded by the care and comfort of her daughters on Monday, December 26, 2016 following a brief period of declining health.
Joyce was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1928, the daughter of the late E.L. Roy Nolan and Florence (Wetterer) Nolan. She was the wife of the late Robert C. Straka, Jr. who died in 1973. Joyce is survived by her beloved daughters, Susan Straka Ingard (Sven) of Lincoln, MA; Ann Straka Gilbert (Larry) of Montpelier, VT and Cathy Straka (Rick Miller) of Camden, ME. Cherished grandmother of Catherine, Courtney and Steven Ingard; Ethan, Elizabeth and Sylvia Gilbert; Madeline and Sarah Ann Miller. Also survived by her wonderful longtime friend John D. Pennekamp, Jr. of Naples, FL as well as six nieces, three nephews and her sister-in-law Brenda Nolan. She is predeceased by brothers John S. Nolan and Giles W. Nolan, sister-in-law Jean and nephew John Giles Nolan.
Joyce grew up in Miami Beach (Surfside), FL and then moved to Buffalo, NY area where she raised her family before coming to Massachusetts where she resided in Lexington and Framingham for 20 years and for over the past four years at Traditions of Wayland.
She graduated from Saint Patrick’s High School and received her BA in English from Barry University (1950) in Miami, FL.
Joyce was involved in teaching a high school marriage course, helping establish a house for AIDS patients, and was a Director of Volunteers at Hospice Buffalo. Joyce had a thirst for learning and extended her education both at Canisius College and Lifelong Learning at Regis College.
The most important aspects of Joyce’s life were her love of family, passion for theater and the arts, close friendships and her devotion to creating a strong spiritual community. Joyce was a very caring woman and was always concerned with social justice and global issues.
She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her compassion, sense of humor, and brightening the world around her.
Visitations on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Rd., Wayland.
On Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:00 am there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Good Shepherd Parish at ST. ANN’S CHURCH, 124 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA.
Interment will be at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to Good Shepherd Community Hospice, 90 Wells, Ave, Newton, MA 02459.
For condolences and directions please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.