Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Lois married the love of her life, John Joyce Sr., and moved with him to Homestead, Florida, while he served in the United States Air Force. Following John’s military service, they returned briefly to Philadelphia before settling in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1968, Lois and John moved their family to Levittown, where they continued to build a life together and raise their family. Lois was proud to call Levittown home for 58 years.
Lois worked for Amtrak for 25 years before retiring in 2004. Although she took great pride in her career, her greatest joy was always her family. She loved them fiercely and without reservation, and there was nothing she would not do for those she loved. Generous, compassionate, and endlessly kind, Lois had a special way of making people feel cared for and welcome.
She was also known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Lois loved playing cards, sharing laughter with those around her, and celebrating her Irish heritage, of which she was immensely proud. Her warmth, generosity, and unforgettable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Lois was the daughter of the late Harry and Margaret Sweeney (née Leonard). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 39 years, John Joyce Sr.; her siblings, Leonard Sweeney, Harry Sweeney Jr., Eileen Muckel, and Joan Hoffman; and her granddaughter, Lindsey Holden.
She is survived by her five children, Susan Holden (Giovanni Rivieri), Patty Killian (Tom), John Joyce, Jackie Joyce, and Michael Joyce (Jessica); six grandchildren, Christen Jones (CJ), Justin Holden, Carlee Corretjer (Grant), Jake Joyce, Cory Joyce, and Josie Joyce; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Ginny Kenna, Carol Coney and Mag Mackin (Jim), and her brothers-in-law, Patrick Joyce (Barbara) and Richard Melli Sr.
Lois will be remembered as the heart of her family - a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, treasured sister, and loyal friend. Her humor, kindness, and fierce love will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Gathering at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056, on August 4, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with Words of Remembrance starting at 7:00pm. On August 5, 2026 another visitation will take place from 9:00am-10:00am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 66 Levittown Pkwy, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19054, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00am. She will be laid to rest after mass at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020.
