Obituary of Joyce Wittish

Joyce Wittish, a resident of Eugene since June 2018, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the age of 74. She died after battling Lymphoma for 2.5 years and a lifelong struggle with Lupus. Joyce was born in Newark, NJ. The first of 3 daughters, she grew up in neighboring Bloomfield where she lived until she was married to Don Wittish in June 1974. She attended Catholic grammar and high schools, and graduated from what was then Jersey City State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught full time until shortly before starting a family, at which point she became a full time Mom. She devoted all her time to caring for her family including her two daughters Christine and Laura, husband Don, and extended family which often included her mom, Pauline Fioravante. When the girls were old enough, she decided to return to her professional career by substitute teaching. She enjoyed this work as it allowed her flexibility to keep up with her Wednesday Bowling League. Due to her skills, temperament, and personality, she was in high demand as a substitute teacher until she retired.

Upon retirement in 2018, Joyce and her husband Don moved to Eugene, OR to be closer to their daughters who both reside in Southern California. Joyce was a great cook and baker which was appreciated by all of her family and friends. Besides bowling, Joyce enjoyed playing Bunco and Mah Jongg, reading, and watching her favorite shows on tv. She enjoyed making new friends and found them through these hobbies, keeping up with playing Mah Jongg with all her friends until the very end.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Don Wittish, her two daughters Christine Marciniak and Laura Wittish, and her two sisters Linda Kerr and Paula Bonavita. They will all miss the thoughtfulness, caring, love, and devotion that Joyce gave without question.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests consideration of a gift to the Lupus Foundation of America or the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

We encourage you to leave a favorite memory on the Tribute Wall.