It is with great sadness that the family of Joy Ellen Harshberger announces her passing on Sunday, April 22, 2018, age 70. Joy will be lovingly remembered by the love of her life and husband of 8 years, Dale. Beloved and devoted mother of Glenn True and Melissa (Thomas) McLaurin, stepdaughters Beth (Chris) Bruns and Su…read more
It is with great sadness that the family of Joy Ellen Harshberger announces her passing on Sunday, April 22, 2018, age 70. Joy will be lovingly remembered by the love of her life and husband of 8 years, Dale. Beloved and devoted mother of Glenn True and Melissa (Thomas) McLaurin, stepdaughters Beth (Chris) Bruns and Susan Lesnik. Proud grandmother of, Jacob, Katie, Semini, Ryan, Zora, Brandon and Emmaus. Dear sister of Alan (Cherie) Schumann. Special aunt of Bradley and Katherine. Cherished by her sister in spirit, Jennifer (Jim) Rohrer and their children. Predeceased by her parents, Heinz and Joy Schumann.
Born on June 20, 1947 in Milwaukee, WI, Joy lived up to her name through and through. Starting at Congress Elementary, to Edison Middle School, she was part of the first ever 4-year graduating class at Marshall High School in Milwaukee. Most of her life was spent in the service of helping people. Her career spanned extended years at St. Joseph’s hospital, Marion Catholic Home Nursing Home, and then Villa Clement Nursing Home (later Allis Care Center) on 91st and Greenfield. Her last vocation was helping to form and be the Executive Director of Serenity Inns- a transitional living facility for men in recovery.
Her faith in God was an ever present part of Joy’s life. A nearly life-long member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (48th and Nash Streets), she lived out and taught God’s word every day.
After nearly 40 years, Joy was able to reconnect with the love of her life, Dale Harshberger. They reconnected in 2002 and spent the rest of her life happily together. Theirs was truly a fairy tale that Joy loved to tell!
Joy was an awesome mom. A single mother, she had a way of making very clear to her children what consequences meant, but in a kind and caring way. In a racially charged and divided world, she instilled in her children that diversity is not only important, but something to be cherished…something her parents instilled in her.
Joy’s love and humor will be terribly missed. Hearing her roar for the Packers on Sundays will be missed. Her wonderful cooking will be missed. Her ability to be the “Glue” of the family will be missed. Her perspectives at her Bible studies will be missed. Her motherly advice will be missed. Her being a stupendous Nonni/Grandma will be missed. The world seems a little less right without her in it.
Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee on Tuesday May 1, 2018 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the family to be donated to Joy’s favorite charity, Serenity Inns.
hideKrause Funeral Home Brown Deer
Address:
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Krause Funeral Home Brown Deer
Address:
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the family to be donated to Joy’s favorite charity, Serenity Inns.
Ann Van Dunk posted on 4/25/18
Hi Missy, I so hate to write an email to convey my sorrow. I know how terribly you must miss your mom. It sounds like things came about so suddenly and swiftly. Please know that Greg and my prayers are with you and Glen and your kids. So many memories of you as a teenager flood my mind. I ran into her some years ago at a coffee shop and she just beamed talking about you and your family. Joy certainly brought joy. She touched so many. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with her in this life. Best, Ann