Joy Andrews Wentsel

In Loving Memory of Joy Andrews Wentsel

September 1, 1926 – June 3, 2026

Joy Andrews Wentsel passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of her joyful nature, compassion, hard work, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Joy was born on September 1, 1926, on her family's farm near Salem, Indiana, to John Asa Andrews and Mary Eunice Bedell Andrews. She spent her childhood on a farm near Rutland, Illinois, where life was demanding and deeply rewarding. She spoke fondly of walking two miles to school, helping with farm chores, tending the family's large garden, and learning the values that would guide her throughout her life: gratitude, responsibility, hard work, and the importance of education.

An exceptional student, Joy graduated as valedictorian of Rutland High School. At the age of sixteen, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, an event that profoundly shaped her life and strengthened her resolve.

From an early age, Joy dreamed of becoming a nurse. That dream became reality when she attended the University of Illinois, continued her studies at Bradley (Northwestern) University, and graduated from Wesley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1950, earning both her nursing credentials and Bachelor of Science degree. Her education continued with Graduate Studies at Claremont Graduate School, UCLA, Pepperdine, and University of Chicago; and she earned a Teaching credential in Nursing.

Joy devoted much of her career to caring for others. After serving as a head nurse at Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago, she moved to Hollywood, California in 1952, where she joined Kaiser Permanente. Her leadership and dedication led her to become Supervisor of eight outpatient OB-GYN clinics. She also shared her knowledge by teaching vocational nursing students at community colleges, helping prepare future generations of nurses. Later in life, she successfully balanced nursing with a career in real estate, demonstrating her lifelong willingness to embrace new opportunities while never losing sight of serving others.

Joy’s lifelong passion for music began at an early age. She was young when she first began piano lessons. She never stopped learning. She would play throughout her life and studied Chopin with a private instructor when she was in her 60’s, as well as attend piano classes at Saddleback college into her 80’s. She also played the mellophone in her high school marching band, and served as cheerleader.

Her paternal grandparents immigrated from France, and she was a passionate Francophile. She was able to visit and stay in Paris, France in 1958 when she traveled to Belgium for the World’s Fair. Her month long trip took her to Spain and more of Europe. Her love of France would bring her there again later in life. She could speak French and studied Latin as well.

One of the greatest blessings of Joy's life began with a midnight introduction at a swimming pool in Trona, California, where she met Robert William "Bill" Wentsel. They were married on September 5, 1959, beginning a loving partnership that Joy would later describe as the best decision she ever made.

Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and home. They raised five daughters—Ruth, Patty, Mary, Carol, and Lora; first in Monrovia and Glendora, and later in Tustin before settling in Laguna Niguel, where they spent their retirement years.

Joy delighted in every stage of motherhood, creating a home filled with love, learning, church, birthday celebrations, library visits, neighborhood friendships, and family traditions. She and Bill always made family their highest priority.

Joy was endlessly proud of her daughters and treasured her role as "Grandma." Her grandchildren—Nathan Steinhart, Lauren Paddack, Billy Paddack, Hannah Pipes, Aidan Pipes, Kamron Abedi, Kian Abedi, Allanah Reed, and Jake Reed —were among her greatest joys. She delighted in her grandchildren's achievements and celebrating their milestones. Two more joined the family when Lora married Scott: Lauren Harvey and Charlotte Harvey. Great-grandchildren Beau Paddack, Betty Paddack, and Ava Abedi arrived when Joy was in her 90’s.

In her later years, Joy continued to exemplify grace, perseverance, and quiet strength. Even as age brought increasing physical challenges, she faced each season with courage. Though her memory faded in her late 90’s, she would remain mobile up until a few months prior to her 99th birthday, when she suffered a broken hip and bravely faced a tough surgery.

While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband Bill, whom she missed dearly, and with the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Wentsel; her parents, John Asa and Mary Eunice Andrews; her Stepmother, Fannie Andrews; brothers John, Ray, and Glenn Andrews; and her sisters Ruth and Anna Mae Andrews.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Andrews; her five daughters, Ruth Ann Wentsel, Patricia Hay (Scott), Mary Pipes (Erick), Carol Reed (Kevin), and Lora Harvey (Scott); her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness.

Those who knew Joy will remember her gentle spirit, warm smile, quiet wisdom, gracious hospitality, and quiet faith. She believed deeply in serving others, whether through nursing, teaching, caring for her family, or offering encouragement to those around her. She lived with humility, loved generously, and found joy in life's simple blessings . She could be found volunteering with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, teaching English as a 2nd language, and serving the church and her community in many, many ways over the years. She enjoyed her long-term time in the church choir alongside Bill.

Years ago, Joy wrote the story of her own life. She concluded it with these words:

"We moved to our present home in Laguna Niguel in 1993, and have lived here happily ever after, enjoying retirement, our children and our grandchildren.”

Daily 2 mile walks around the nearby Dana Point harbor kept them both active together into their 90’s. Life in retirement was fairly idyllic! Joy loved bringing her family together for monthly birthday celebrations, where her delicious homemade cakes became a cherished tradition, first in Laguna Niguel and later in San Clemente. Joy and Bill continued traveling well into their 90s, enjoying trips to Palm Springs, San Diego, and Hawaii. One of their greatest gifts to the family came in 2005, when they treated all five daughters, their spouses, and every grandchild to an unforgettable vacation in Kauai. The time spent together created cherished memories that the family will treasure forever.

The family is profoundly grateful for the nearly one hundred years they were blessed to have Joy in their lives. Her strength, kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love leave a legacy that will endure for generations. More than anything, she will be remembered for living up to her name—bringing joy, laughter, and love into the lives of her family and friends every day.

Joy will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.