Joyce Alane Sipka Winner died on June 8, 2019 in Carmel, Indiana. She was born August 18, 1955 to Margaret Smatlak Sipka and Joseph Arnold Sipka in Warren, Ohio. She graduated with honors from Newton Falls High School in 1973. In 1977 she graduated with honors from Anderson (College) University, majoring in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Her greatest honor occurred on August 2, 1997 when she married the love of her life, James B. Winner (Jimmy).
She was preceded in death by her parents, her father in law, James E. Winner, and her beloved, feisty Bichon, Lily.
While she lived in multiple places in her lifetime, Joyce found Carmel, Indiana and Naples, Florida to be ‘home’.
Joyce is survived by her two siblings. Her sister Sue Sipka Roper (spouse, Ralph) is from Carmel, Indiana. Joyce loved Sue’s sense of beauty, her poise, and her gracious spirit. She appreciated the paths Sue paved for her, and followed several of them, including going off to college in Indiana. Her brother, Timothy Sipka (spouse, Chris) lives in Alma, Michigan. He added a lot of zest to Joyce’s life with his wit and intelligence.
When she married Jimmy, Joyce believed she received a bonus gift – Jimmy’s daughter, Megan Winner. Megan Winner of Eugene, OR (partner Marcus) brought immense joy to Joyce’s life. Joyce enjoyed their blossoming friendship and family bonds, and took great pride in seeing Megan’s hard work make her dreams become a reality. She was grateful to Megan for allowing her to be a part of her life.
Joyce actively loved many ‘nieces and nephews’, some blood-related, and others not:
Phil Sipka; Jeff Roper; Steve Sipka (spouse, Elyse and their daughter Frankie); Sara Roper (partner Cristina); Mark Sipka; Kevin Winner, Jr; Jessica Winner; Tom Page; Jamie Page; Lindsay Page; Meera Page; Rick Hale; Lauren Roller Sirey (spouse David); Lori Fair Layugan; Kimberly and Addison Ross; Simon, Sarah and Macey Elser; Eli, Avery, Amelia Drake.
Joyce was always appreciative of the parents of these special ‘children’ in her life for graciously sharing them with her and allowing her to be a ‘surrogate Auntie’.
Special friends include cousin Karen Durica Roller and Mark Roller, of Westfield, Indiana, along with Monika Nyby and Greg Hale of Carmel, Indiana. Joyce enjoyed her friendship with her partners-in-adventure, Audrey Nelson, neighbors Bruce and Jean Alfreds, Kathy Duncan, and college friend Cindi Webb. She also had three long-term friends, often referred to as the ‘three sisters’: Karen Strege Anderson, Tammy Elser, and Sharon Zehr.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church has served as a wonderful family and church home for both Joyce and Jimmy. Her participation in the music program and related international travel programs provided her with some of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of her life.
Joyce was passionate about the Carmel Clay Public Library and their excellence in programming for the needs of our community. Joyce loved reading and wanted to make that possible for others.
She loved living in the Village of West Clay, in Carmel, Indiana. Village residents welcomed the Winners when they first relocated to Indiana many years ago. There she formed many deep friendships and shared joyful social occasions.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 12 pm, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN). Calling hours are 9 am – 12 pm, preceding the service.
In lieu of flowers please make gifts to the Carmel Clay Public Library – West Branch (55 4th Avenue, Carmel, Indian 46032). Make checks payable to CCPL – Joyce Winner Fund.
Joyce’s advice, dictated in her own words on Thursday, May 16, 2019, is as follows. “Please do not be sad, because now I am living in my heavenly home. If you feel a need to mourn me, I’d rather you do something for others. Choose to visit someone who needs a friend, or volunteer to help an agency or church that serves those in need. Your love and time can make a difference. My advice is this. Enjoy and savor every breath and every moment of the precious life you have been given. It is a gift.”
Richard Rusnak says
Jim, I really am so sorry that you’ve lost Joyce in this life. I know the two of you made a great couple and it was evident to everyone that saw you two together. It is my prayer that God would give you strength and courage and oh and I love to go on in your own life and to continue on with the goals that the two of you had made. If ever I can do anything to help you at all, please, please let me know
Lesly and John Livengood says
What a beautiful tribute to your lady, Jim. It is no wonder she was the love of your life.
Sandy Gault says
Jim…we were saddened when we heard about Joyce’s illness..and our hearts broke when we learned of her passing…all that were blessed to be a part of the Hubbard campmeeting share a special bond of love…when one hurts we all hurt when one grieves we all grieve…and know that we all share in your grief…. never forget that we loved Joyce and love you…we will keep lifting you up in prayer for God’s love to continue to comfort you…dont ever hesitate to call if you need anything… love in Christ …
Tina Johnson says
Joyce made me feel very welcomed into the neighborhood when my family first moved to Indiana. She helped me to get acclimated by telling me where to go and what to do around town. One night she even walked over to my house to help me tie a Christmas bow to put on top of my Christmas tree at 11:00 o’clock at night. It was a beautiful bow that I could never come close to making. She herself was beautiful in so many ways with so much style and spunk. I can’t believe she is gone. She is now in perfect peace . Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for the Holy Spirit to bring you comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. May God bless you and keep you.
Andy murphy says
She was a gift we all have to let go to thrive once again in the heavens above. She left behind a piece of her heart for her beloved family. There, she will always be… J. Andy Murphy.
Ann Bergen says
Joyce was the first church friend we made after Rob and I were married in 1986 while we were living in Irvine, CA. We enjoyed her church solos, her witty personality, her knack for bringing people together, and her generous hospitality. I am grateful we could reconnect in the last few years via social media. We are profoundly saddened to say goodbye. Until we meet again Joyce in our Father’s house. 🕊
Our deepest sympathies to you Jimmy and to Joyce’s many loved ones!
Jeff McDermott says
With deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers from your friends at The Center for the Performing Arts and The Great American Songbook Foundation.
Doug and Trina Biggs says
Trina and I are so very sorry for your loss, Jimmy. Joyce truly lit up the room and served to keep you on the “straight and narrow”. She will certainly be missed.
audrey studley says
Dear Family,
As a friend of Sue, there were many wonderful stories of her sister she shared . I know this is such a difficult loss. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Audrey Studley
Janice Gitchell says
So very sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. Back in the late 80’s, we both decided that we needed to walk to keep healthy and also to train for a Cystic Fibrosis walk-a-thon. We met 3 mornings a week at 6 AM for close to 2 years. It was a special time.
We shared so much during those walks. Joyce was a good listener and helped me through some difficult times. When she moved to the East it was our loss, but your gain. On a few of your visits back to California we were able to catch up, but our only contact of late has been through social media. She was such a special lady and loved by all who knew her. Prayers for you and your daughter during this difficult time.
Carminal Craig says
To Jim and family you have my sincere condolences. Jim Winner your the best man I know the way you took care of your wife the love in e very picture express it. I didn’t never meet Joyce but just by following you on Facebook and the journey you both have Endured you were a beautiful couple, I see how Bless and happy you both were. So many comments expressing the love to you on the lives Joyce touched. Hold on to the beautiful memories and I know you will cherish them unto you meet again.
Sue McLaughlin says
Thanks for sharing these beautiful, and oh so true words about Joyce. We are the lucky ones to have had her pass through out lives, Jimmy. Thank you for sharing her with us. Love that Joyce left us with such profound advice as her parting words. I am going to live it to the fullest.
Tracy & Kellie Schooler says
Beautiful woman and honored to be her friend…
Rosemarie Torem says
I knew Joyce in high school and since then, on Facebook. This tribute brought tears to my eyes. The passing of good-hearted sweet Joyce is true loss to the world. Her uncle and cousin are my next door neighbors and we often talked about the story of how the Sipkas moves to Newton Falls during the depression and supported themselves by farming at home, and how the brothers were all in the service.
Rosemarie Torem says
I knew Joyce in high school and since then, on Facebook. This tribute brought tears to my eyes. The passing of good-hearted sweet Joyce is true loss to the world. Her uncle and cousin are my next door neighbors and we often talked about the story of how the Sipkas moved to Newton Falls during the depression and supported themselves by farming at home, and how the brothers were all in the service.
Starlit Kishar says
Ron and Starlit Koshar
We just heard about Joyce and we are filled with sadness for you. I remember when she joined the Sharon Country Club bowling league. I told her she looked like a princess with her jet black hair, pale skin and ruby red lips. We golfed and exercised with together and we shared some memories at Stone Harbor with Sally Hayden. Valiant to the end-her parting words are a treasure. Our deepest sympathy Jim.
Marydee and Galen Donald says
JB…..We were sorry to hear about Joyce and express our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
May all your happy memories help you get thru this difficult time. Our prayers to you and know that
anytime you are in Sharon we would love to get together with you….Much love always….Marydee and Galen
Cristina Seely says
Jimmy, my condolences. Joyce was a Tri kappa sister for a little while and I always appreciated her cheerful smile and giving heart. She was a blessing to us in the chapter and we miss her. You were blessed with a wonderful wife!!
Rich Heine says
Jimmy Winner, I did not know Joyce but if she was chosen by you, she must have been very special.
Joan Marie Mahoney says
I love you Joyce. You enriched my life.
You and Jimmy were and are great friends and neighbors.
My hearts that I won’t see you again in this life.