Joyce E. O’Connor

Surrounded by her family, Joyce Emily O’Connor passed away on August 22, 2026, at Downers Grove Senior Living, where she resided with her husband, James. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Joyce was born on November 7, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Thomas and Rose Chvatal. Growing up with her sister, Alyce (Hester), Joyce was an active and athletic child who loved nothing more than playing ball in the alley with her neighborhood friends. She attended Custer Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and Morton High School.

Joyce also met her husband of 68 years, James (Jim) O’Connor, during a roller skating night at Saint Mary of Celle parish in Berwyn. It was "ladies' choice," and Joyce asked Jim to skate. The way he tells it, she "grabbed his hand and never let go." Joyce and Jim married on November 16, 1957. They raised their five children—Thomas, Michael, Laura, Robert, and Kathleen—in a home located just blocks from where they met, sending them all to Saint Mary of Celle School. Joyce was a fun-loving mother, and her children grew up loving to play games together, inheriting her passion for sport and play.

For much of her adult life, Joyce was a deeply involved and active member of the Saint Mary of Celle community. Along with being a dedicated parent volunteer, she shared her time as a supervisor for the extended care program and later as the school’s computer teacher. Her energy extended well beyond the classroom; she loved playing in the church's volleyball league alongside her family and hitting the field in the over-40 softball league.

Joyce worked for Sears and played for their company softball team. For several years, she was a valued employee at Sunshine Bakery, a longtime Berwyn institution. After her husband Jim’s retirement, they worked together at Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park. Their co-workers included, at various times, their two daughters as well as their future son-in-law.

Joyce made sports and games a central part of life for her family. She was an excellent bowler who won many trophies. In support of her husband, kids, and grandkids, she attended and cheered at hundreds of softball, volleyball, baseball, and basketball games. Her pride shone just as brightly in the audience of her grandchildren’s concerts and plays, as she never missed an event they were in. At home, she was always ready for fun as an avid player of Scrabble, bingo, and video poker, alongside any game her grandkids might invent.

She was always up for a good game, but her truest, deepest love was reserved for the Chicago Cubs. As a lifelong, die-hard fan, Joyce supported her team through decades of highs and lows. She watched every single game she could. Joyce would often load all of her children onto the bus for a Tuesday afternoon game at Wrigley Field. At home, she celebrated every single Chicago home run by passing out juice ice cubes in the living room. Joyce passed this steadfast dedication on to her children and grandchildren. Together, the entire family shared the unforgettable joy of celebrating with her when the Cubs finally won it all in 2016.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Rose (Graton) Chvatal; her sister, Alyce (Hester); and her son, Michael.

She is survived by her beloved husband, James. She leaves behind her children: Thomas and his wife Barbara, Laura, Robert and his wife Dawn, and Kathleen and her husband Thomas Ryan. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Emma and her husband David, Kailey, Andrew, Ashley, and Jack.

Visitation for Joyce will be from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, September 1, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Interment will take place privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Anthony Rizzo family foundation. Link provided below.