Joyce D. Brezina

Joyce Brezina dedicated her life to her family, and each day she tried to bring happiness into the hearts of the many people she loved. Joyce was a quiet woman who enjoyed the simple things in life. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a caring grandma who always regarded her family as her greatest achievement. In the year 1932, all of America was struggling with the Great Depression. The stock market slumped lower than ever before, and the unemployment rate rose to affect nearly one out of every four workers. In Muskegon, Michigan, George and Mabel Clarke maintained their optimistic spirits by focusing on a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on September 10, 1932 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Joyce. Joyce grew up in Muskegon with the company of one sister and six brothers. The family lived in the house on Grand Avenue. To provide for their large family, her father worked at Shaw Walker and her mother worked at Cole's Bakery. After graduating from Central Junior High, Joyce began working alongside her mother at Cole's. But Joyce's life changed suddenly when she was sixteen years old. Her mother passed away unexpectedly, and Joyce dropped out of high school to tend to the family. A few years later, at the age of nineteen, Joyce began working at the Plumbs Grocery Store. She easily fell into a conversation with one of her coworkers, a handsome young man named Harold Brezina. For their first date, they attended a performance at the Michigan Theater located on Western Avenue. They soon fell in love, and after dating for eight months Harold asked for her hand in marriage. (He's still waiting for her answer!) Their wedding took place at McGraft Congregational Church in Muskegon on September 5, 1953. After their marriage, they lived with Joyce's father for six months. They later moved into Harold's parents' home on 2834 S. Sheridan Drive, which they eventually purchased. This was the home where they would spend their entire marriage. Joyce and Harold were blessed with five wonderful children. Harold Charles Jr. was born on June 30, 1954, followed by Helene Mae on June 13, 1955, Joseph George on October 3, 1957, Robert Jay on February 18, 1960, and Michael Paul on October 14, 1969. The family was now complete. Joyce emphasized the importance of a good education and all of her children graduated from Fruitport High School. She enjoyed motherhood, and she took pride in caring for her family. While Harold continued to work at Plumbs Grocery Store, Joyce devoted her time to her responsibilities around the house and within her community. She was a crossing guard for Beach Elementary School, a Cub Scout leader, and she taught Sunday School at McGraft Congregational Church. In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed ceramics, card games, bingo, and bowling. She was proud of her bowling trophies. Joyce was a social woman, and she was good friends with many of her neighbors. The entire neighborhood on Sheridan Drive was very closely knit. Everyone watched out for each other, and the families often got together for cookouts, parties, and other social events. In 1972 Joyce's father passed away. Joyce was very close to him, and she was profoundly affected by his sudden absence. She was very devoted to her family, and she often arranged enormous reunions. On holidays she enjoyed getting together with her brothers and sister and their families. At least once a month Joyce and her siblings ate breakfast together. Except for her brother Richard, all of her siblings have preceded her in death. In her later life, Joyce was thrilled to see her family grow with the blessing of several grandchildren. She loved being a grandmother, and she was always thinking of fun things to do with the grandkids. Joyce especially enjoyed taking care of the newborns. All of her grandchildren remember the sleepovers and fun times that they had at Grandma's house. With retirement, Joyce and Harold found more time to spend with one another. They were married for fifty-two years, and they never once argued. They shared a love for travel, and they went on several vacations to Vegas, Acapulco, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. Although she traveled to many islands, she never liked the idea of being on a boat. Joyce also enjoyed the local vacations that the family went on together. They often traveled to camping grounds in Michigan where they would set up the pop-up camper and enjoy a night of story-telling and reminiscing. Joyce was a quiet, compassionate woman who touched the hearts of many during her lifetime. She was generous and forgiving, and she was an understanding listener. In the company of her family, a familiar smile always sat upon her lips. Among the many people who loved her, Joyce will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. On May 29, 2006 Joyce died following surgical complications. She is survived by her husband, Harold; 4 sons, Harold (Nenita) Brezina of Muskegon, Joe (Victoria) Brezina of Muskegon, Robert (Mindy) Brezina of Fruitport, Michael Paul (Carla) Brezina of Fruitport; 1 daughter, Helene (Tom) Welch of Muskegon; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Richard (Betty) Clarke of Grand Rapids; & several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by 1 sister & 5 brothers. The Service for Joyce will take place on Friday, June 2, 2006, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Clifford Lones officiating. Please visit with the family on Thursday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit Joyce's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory, sign the guestbook, or post a memorial contribution to a charity of your own choosing.