Joyce Ann Damiani, age 93 of Bloomfield Hills, MI passed away June 4, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pontiac with family by her side. She was born May 17, 1928 in Detroit, Mi to the late Joseph and Mary Pleznac. Growing up during the depression with parents who only spoke Ukrainian was challenging for Joyce. She was the only child for 17 years until her brother, Bob was born. They had a simple home but it was filled with joy – with an open door for anyone to stop by and enjoy some fresh pierogi or vegetables from the garden. In that setting of humble beginnings Joyce learned some of life’s greatest lessons - how to be happily married and how to make sacrifices for each other.
Joyce attended Detroit schools and graduated from Mackenzie High School in 1946. After high school she pursued her passion for art and painting by taking college level classes. She became proficient in sketching and drawing. It was post WWII and Joyce found the need to join the workforce and postpone her dreams of a career in art. It was fortuitous as she obtained a job at JL Hudson’s where a coworker, Flora Damiani, introduced Joyce to her brother, Al Damiani. They were married 3 years later in September 1951 and her brother, Bob Pleznac, was the ring bearer!
Al and Joyce raised 5 children during their wonderful 60-year marriage. They enjoyed being with family and friends, vacations, holidays, and celebrating life’s events. Joyce never forgot those lessons learned from her parents. Following Al’s passing in 2011 from an extended illness, Joyce continued those family traditions. She was always a loving and giving mother and grandmother. In her later years, Joyce could be found in her blue chair watching westerns, reading novels and working on her art.
Joyce is survived by two sons, Daniel (Regina) Damiani and John Damiani; three daughters, Linda Damiani, MaryAnn (Timothy) Conner and Carol (Harold) Bryant; eight grandchildren, Anna, Paul and Joseph Damiani; Natalie, Kevin and Kyle Conner; Joshua (Emily) and Christina Bryant; one brother, Robert (Susan) Pleznac; one niece, Sarah Pleznac.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Pixley Funeral Home, 3530 Auburn RD., Auburn Hills, Mi 48326. Rev. Fr. Gerry LeBouef will officiate. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am until time of service. Rite of committal will be in Ottawa Park Cemetery, Independence Twp., MI.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may donate to a charity of your choice. Or plant a flower in your garden. She’d like that.
