Joyce M. Heller

Joyce M. Heller, 87, of Dunlap, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 at 3:41 a.m. She was born on Black Friday, October 25, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Goldie (Cutler) and Max Mendeloff, who preceded her in death, along with one brother, Dr. Elton Mendeloff. Joyce married Michael William “Mickey” Heller of Peoria on September 5, 1954, who preceded her in death in 2014. They were married for 60 years. Surviving are one daughter, Nancy B. Heller of Columbus, Ohio, three sons, Jeffrey A. Heller of Peoria Heights, Jonathan M. Heller and Neil R. (Laurie) Heller, and four grandchildren, Cara, Allie, Ben and Katy Heller, all of Dunlap. Joyce attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before graduating from Milwaukee State Teachers College. She taught nursery school before moving to Chicago where she worked for Kiwanis International. There she met and married Mickey and moved to Peoria in 1954. Along with multiple volunteer endeavors, her full-time job was being the very best Mom and Nana her children and grandchildren could ever have. The memories they made together will be cherished forever. Joyce worked in the gift and china business for over 30 years with Palace Gift & China and Jones Bros. Jewelers. She also served as an election official for several years. Joyce was the heart and soul of her family. She gave of herself tirelessly to all who knew her with loving kindness and a smile. She waged a fierce battle against Alzheimer’s disease for the past 12 years with courage and grace. She died as she was born, a truly beautiful woman inside and out. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Patricia Tiff, her caregiver, Dr. Brian Cohen, and the staff at UnityPoint Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Peoria Hebrew Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Peoria, 2000 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria IL 61615, the Alzheimer’s Association-Central IL Chapter, 612 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria IL 61614, UnityPoint Hospice, 221 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61636, or to your favorite charity. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.