Joyce Viola

In Loving Memory of Joyce Viola

September 19, 1946 – December 10, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my mother, Joyce Viola, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joyce was a proud member of the Baby Boomer generation, a witness to and participant in the transformative social changes of the 1960s and 1970s. She experienced the rise of cultural icons like the Beatles and Elvis and marveled at the moon landing broadcast on television—a moment that seemed to capture the boundless possibilities of the era.

Family was her greatest joy, as reflected in the countless photos she took during her grandkids' younger years. Those weekends spent together, filled with adventures and laughter, remain cherished memories—proof of her unwavering love and dedication. To her grandchildren, she will always be remembered as the grandmother who made time feel infinite.

Joyce's determination and work ethic shone through in her business, Compulsive Cleaning, which she started and managed with pride. Her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit were an inspiration, giving me the knowledge and confidence to start my own business. She taught me by example to embrace hard work and self-reliance.

In her later years, she lived in Waukee, where she found joy in her garden & complaining. As improbable as it may seem, I’ll miss her calls about the grass being too tall.  She enjoyed the companionship of her beloved cats—Pepper, Midget, George, and Shadow.  Joyce had her quirks, like her lifelong habit of smoking Marlboro Kools, which she managed without a trace of lung cancer. She was unapologetically herself, a woman of strong opinions, warmth, and a love for the simple joys of life.

When we last spoke, she was going on a trip, suitcase in hand, and worried about the long stairway she ahead. I reassured her that the stairway wasn’t hers to climb—that it was simply a path, one where she wouldn’t need to walk but would surely float.

Rest in peace, Mom. You are loved, deeply missed, and forever remembered.