Joyce Anne Smith was born to Salvatore Vitale and Angelina (Serio) Vitale on January 7, 1931 in San Jose, California. She was one of four children, born to a loving couple who immigrated to the United States from Sicily.
Joyce was a native of San Jose and attended San Jose High School. She was an avid reader, enjoyed solving word puzzles, exploring new restaurants and attending plays. Joyce loved listening to music and loved to dance. Her rhythm was impeccable. In her younger years she was on a bowling league with her co-workers. Joyce loved watching and attending baseball games. The San Francisco Giants was her favorite team. A big highlight for her was witnessing the S.F. Giants win three World Series.
She loved to travel. She visited many tourist sights in Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and of course California. Joyce's first trip out of the country was a family vacation in the Bahamas. The trip of her lifetime was a tour of both Italy and Sicily with her daughter Kimberly. In Sicily, Joyce was able to see where her parents originated. She had long lasting memories and stories about each place.
Joyce was a strong believer in her faith, which she relied on in good and difficult times. She never complained as challenges faced her. She always addressed them head on and unwavering. She loved to laugh and make people laugh. Her smile would brighten a room and will always be remembered.
Joyce passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, with her loving family by her side, in her home in Modesto, California. Joyce's two cats, which were her "babies" and brought her immense joy, didn't leave her side that morning. She leaves behind her loving children Kimberly Smith, Jenna Stone, Ryan Smith and his wife, Shu-Nu. A beloved grandmother to Alexander Smith, devoted sister to Donald Vitale and blessed to have many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her, especially her faithful cat companions Missy and Jack. She reunites in Heaven with her parents Salvatore and Angelina Vitale, and sisters, Mildred Serio and Rosemarie Linsmeier.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing being held at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel on Friday, February 28th, 2020 from 9:00 till 11:00 a.m. Chapel service begins at 11:00 a.m., with entombment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
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