Joyce Elizabeth Phillips

Joyce Elizabeth Phillips of Sewickley PA passed away suddenly on June 15, 2020. She was born in Sewickley on August 18, 1957, and her homecoming was joyously celebrated along with her adorable red hair. She was the youngest of three children to the late Florence (Lisovich) and Lewis George Phillips. Growing up, her grandparents the late Amelia Elizabeth (Edwards) and Lewis Cass Phillips, and Catherine (Kolanko) and Charles Lisovich, played an important role in her life. She had many aunts and uncles whom she loved as her mother was one of 12 siblings. She grew up in Crescent Township, attended Glenwillard Elementary School, and graduated from Moon High School in 1975.

Joyce’s love of life led her to travel and to her career as a flight attendant with USAir, now AA, for almost 42 years. Her personality and zest for life shown through everything she did and said. She often said “You have to make your own fun”, a quote from her “Greatest Generation” father, and she did. She would light up a room and was clearly a woman who loved to make people smile and she enjoyed every day of life. Joyce was a constant presence in all of her families lives and enjoyed sneaking in movie quotes to see who was listening, often replying with a “Tee hee hee!” She was a master cook and would make an ordinary meal feel like a celebration, always greeting you at the door with a smile and wearing her apron. On holidays, her home was  warm, inviting and filled with tradition and love, welcoming all friends, family and neighbors. Every Christmas a live tree was beautifully decorated with her beloved ornaments.

Joyce cherished her children and was involved in their activities, whether it was coaching softball or teaching Catechism classes. She was a Mom to all of her children’s’ friends and her constant sense of humor led her to playing pranks on family and friends, crediting herself with inventing the “Mom Joke.”

Joyce was dedicated in her Roman Catholic faith and active in St. James Church, Divine Redeemer Parish. God needed an angel, so Joyce rose to the occasion. Some may say, Why Joyce? She would reply I’m certain, with her faith, “Why not Joyce?”.

Joyce is survived by her children, of whom she was so proud, Jon Luke Affeltranger, Grace Affeltranger (Austyn Lee), granddog Seda, siblings Cynthia Phillips (Tim Patterson) and Lewis Phillips (Pat Krizan), aunt and uncles, so many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

We all loved Joyce deeply, she has left a hole in our hearts that will remain empty. We will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, honesty, loyalty and her undying love for life and humanity. We will miss our kind hearted mother, sister, daughter, niece, friend, aunt, angel, who loved long and deeply. Our hearts are uplifted and broken at the same time.

Visitation will be held at Copeland’s Sewickley, 702 Beaver St. on June 24 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and again on June 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Mass will be held at St. James Church on June 26 at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery.

Joyce believed in community values and in supporting local agencies who do so much good, without expectations of any kind. She grew up with many members of the Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department and she values the important work they do. In her memory, donations may be made to the Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 448 Crescent, PA 15046.

The family respectfully asks that flowers not be sent for Joyce. Please visit http://Charity.gofundme.com/joyceephillips to make a donation to Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department. 

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