Joyce Jarvi

From the age of three, Joy began ballet lessons and danced for many years, appearing on television in Cincinnati dancing in a presentation of the Nutcracker, one of the most beloved and

iconic classical ballets. Joy’s dancing ignited a lifelong passion for the arts. She delighted in painting with oils and watercolors and occasionally sculpting as well as a love for music and playing the piano. Joy moved with her parents to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1955, where she met the love of her

life, Jerald "Jerry" Jarvi. The couple married on Thanksgiving Day in 1957. They later relocated to Arkansas during Jerry's service in the Army. After his discharge, the family settled in Jerry's hometown of Ashtabula, Ohio. In Ohio, Joy and Jerry raised three beloved children: Joanna, Jay, and Jill. Joy owned and

operated her own beauty shop while pursuing higher education at Kent State University, where she graduated. She taught cosmetology at a vocational school in Jefferson, Ohio, and advanced to become head of the department.

In 1980, Joy retired from teaching, and she and Jerry moved to Vero Beach, Florida. There, they designed and built residential homes together. Joy quickly embraced her new community,

modeling for local beach shops and becoming deeply involved at Christ Church of Vero Beach, where she served as head of the Altar Guild for many years. She also contributed her time and energy as a member of the board of the local Hospice.

Joy is survived by her husband Jerald, three children: Joanna Jarvi Huffman, Jerald Richard Jarvi(Jay), and Jill Jarvi Jones; her brother, Richard "Dick" Kukelhan; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Helen Wolf Kukelhan and Lester Kukelhan of Cincinnati.

Joy's life was marked by creativity, dedication to family, service to her community, and a graceful spirit that touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you kindly make a donation to VNA Hospice of Vero Beach or Christ Church of Vero Beach

A visitation will be held at Aycock Funeral Home, located at 6026 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL, 34946, on February 26, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

A religious ceremony will take place at Christ Church Vero Beach, 667 20th St, Vero Beach, FL, 32960, on February 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:15 am.

The committal service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 6026 North US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL, 34946, on February 27, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.