Josephine "Joni" Hyams

Josephine “Joni” Hyams was born on July 10, 1954, in Queens, New York, to Frances and Anthony Brugnone. A proud New Yorker through and through, she loved sharing stories about her childhood—working at a bakery in Queens Village, attending The Mary Louis Academy, and later studying at C.W. Post. She cherished her big Italian-Sicilian family and spent her nights disco dancing—until she met the love of her life, Stuart.

After marrying in 1986, Joni and Stuart built a beautiful life together, welcoming two daughters, Jenna Lynn and Alyssa Francesca, who became her entire world. In 1996, the family moved to Las Vegas, where Joni explored different careers—substitute teacher, realtor—but everyone knew her true calling was being a mom. She was the ultimate PTA mom, band booster, and dance mom, never missing a Nutcracker performance or a band competition. She made sure her family had everything they could ever need (and then some).

Joni had a gift for bringing people together, especially through food and celebration. She loved to cook and host, with Christmas being her favorite time of year. Friends quickly became family in her home, and when her sons-in-law came into her life, she embraced them as her own. But nothing brought her greater joy than becoming a nana—her love only grew deeper with the arrival of Nico Edward and Francesca Jae.

She found happiness in the little things—her grandchildren, hummingbirds and eagles, rewatching Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing, cruises with her husband and friends, the beach, and lounging by the pool. She adored her mini poodle and Italian greyhounds and always treasured catching up with old friends.

Joni’s life was full of love, laughter, and lifelong friendships that spanned every stage of her journey. She was a devoted wife, a selfless mother, a cherished nana, and a beloved friend to so many. Her love knew no bounds, and she made sure everyone around her felt it—until her very last day.

She will be so unbelievably missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Josephine “Joni” Hyams is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Stuart Hyams; her daughters, Jenna and Alyssa; her beloved grandchildren, Nico Edward and Francesca Jae; and her sons-in-law, Brett and Tyson.