Joyce Ida (Toschi) Busch

January 24, 1934 - September 21, 2024

Joyce Ida Toschi Busch, a devoted mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024 at the age of 90. Joyce was the embodiment of unconditional love, fiercely devoted to her family and friends.

Joyce’s life was distinguished by her unwavering commitment to those she cherished. She loved her family recklessly and without abandon, always putting their needs above her own. Whether it was travelling hours to visit her kids and grandkids in Southern California, or being the family’s social chairman to ensure all holidays and birthdays were spent together, she believed that family gatherings were sacred, and worked tirelessly to create moments that would be treasured for a lifetime. Her infectious laughter, sense of humor and radiant smile could light up any room and bring joy to those around her.

The only child of Bruno Harry Toschi and Ella Fae Absher Toschi, Joyce was born on January 24, 1934 and grew up in Madera, California. Tragically, Joyce’s mom was killed by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign, instantly ending Ella Fae’s young life at age 37. Joyce would often refer to this paralyzing pain and loss as the defining moment in her life when she knew her singular purpose - to create and nurture a family to hold her heart and heal her soul.

With college plans erased by her Mom’s death, Joyce landed a job as a secretary to a handsome young man, Frederick Otto Busch, manager of a finance company in Madera. Prior to this job, Joyce had already applied as a flight attendant for United Airlines and when she learned she was selected, she and Fred had to make the difficult decision to support her career goals, and she relocated to San Francisco. This choice was the first sign of her drive and ambition, and her ability to get Fred to agree to her plans! They continued to date exclusively and then eventually, Joyce moved back to Madera to marry and curate her life as a wife and mother. A year later, daughter Karen Louise was born, followed just 12 months and 5 days later by daughter Kathryn Lynn. Eleven years after that, Joyce’s purpose sprouted even larger wings as son Kurt Frederick made the family five.

During her 90 years of living, Joyce said she was most proud of 68 beautiful years of marriage to her best friend and soulmate Fred, raising “three gifted and accomplished children,” serving as “Nana” to four adoring grandchildren, and developing a close-knit circle of girlfriends. Always artistic and stylish, Joyce pursued her love of color, fabrics and design, earning a Bachelors of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno, graduating Cum Laude. A business entrepreneur, Joyce served as owner/operator of Busch Interiors, a full-service interior design company; worked as an ASID-certified designer for Ethan Allen, a high-end home furnishing, design and furniture store; and volunteered as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) for foster children. Joyce was well known for her outgoing personality, passionate opinions, quality standards, and true zest for living life to its fullest. She loved to socialize!

Joyce’s superpower was the ability to earnestly be interested in others, always have something interesting to talk about, serve as guardians over her kids and close friends (even in their adult years!) and encourage everyone she knew to dream big, as nothing was impossible to achieve. A day never went by that she didn’t talk to each one of her children at least once, and usually multiple times, regardless of where they were in the world. And somehow, no matter what was going on, her children were given strength, knowing that they had their mom there, supporting them. What a blessing to know love like this!

Joyce passed peacefully at her home with her family at her side, holding her hand. She is survived by her husband, Fred Busch, her three children, Karen Busch Harrison (Darrel), Kathryn Busch Guinn (Chuck) and Kurt Busch (Amy), and her four grandchildren, Dominic Busch, Vincent Busch, Bridget Busch and Michael Busch Guinn.

Joyce’s legacy of love, creativity and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever in the hearts of those who loved her so fiercely. Our faith gives us peace that she is with the Lord, and her unsinkable spirit will stay with us for the remaining days of our lives as a beacon of love, faith, hope and purpose. Thank you Mom, for the love you poured over us and through us. Archangel Michael couldn’t have done a better job protecting us himself! God bless you and keep you.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Drive, Fresno, CA 93730. To learn more about Joyce, show support, or add a memory, please visit her memorial website at Joyce Busch Obituary - Fresno, CA

Celebrate the life of Joyce Busch, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel.

A committal service will occur Friday, October 11, 2024, from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.