Joyce Ann Christiana

Joyce Ann Christiana, 86, of West Hartford, formerly of Wethersfield, passed away on April 13, 2020, at Hartford Hospital losing the battle against COVID-19. Born March 28, 1934, in Hartford, she is predeceased by her parents, John and Jennie (Cagianello) Christiana of Hartford and brother’s Michael Christiana of Bernalillo, NM and Richard Christiana of Tucson, AZ.

Family, holidays and traditions were always important to Joyce. Every year since her childhood, the entire family would come together to make homemade ravioli at Christmas time which has been carried on by her children. Every holiday was always celebrated including immediate and extended families.

Joyce was an entrepreneur starting many businesses. As a hairdresser she opened Village Boutique Coiffures in Hartford and Master Cutters in Wethersfield. She later became a jewelry designer and wholesaler. Joyce also lived in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina and traveled many times to Thailand, Indonesia and China.

Survivors include her four children and nine grandchildren; Debra Pytel of Coeur d’Alene, ID and children Lauren Tancredi of CA, Jamie Tancredi of MA and Brian Tancredi and wife Kristin of ID; Jay Pytel of Storrs-Mansfield, CT, and children Dominick of PA and Kimberly of CA; John Pytel and wife Cheryl of West Hartford, CT and children Taylor Pytel of NY and Paige Pytel of FL; Alexander Pytel Jr. and wife Tracy of Wethersfield, CT, and children, Alexis Pytel and Nicolas Pytel of MA. Joyce also had step-grandchildren who were significant in her life, Tyler and Paige Swanson, Matt, Nick and Sarah Markese, and Shawn and Chris Meade. Joyce is also survived by a brother, John Christiana of Rocky Hill, CT and sister, Gloria Killebrew of Burbank, CA. and many nieces and nephews. Joyce, along with Alexander Pytel of Wethersfield, CT, her former husband, friend and father of her children, was especially excited for the arrival of the first great grandchild (Tancredi girl) to be born in May.

The family acknowledges Carl Williams, her close friend and constant companion over the past year and a half. The family wishes to thank all of the caretakers who have extended care and support for Joyce at Hartford Hospital during her final days and at West Hartford Health and Rehabilitation Center during the past two years.

Burial and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.