Joy Ann Gary (née Albert), age 88, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, with family by her side. Born on September 19, 1938, she was the beloved and only daughter of Edward and Agnes (née Curtin) Albert of Aurora, Illinois.
Joy Ann Gary (née Albert) was a Class of 1956 graduate of Oswego High School, Oswego, Illinois. After high school, Joy graduated from the St. Charles Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1959, Aurora, Illinois with her RN license. She worked in the Labor and Delivery unit for many years throughout her nursing career. She married Noel J. Gary of Aurora, Illinois in 1959 with whom she celebrated 62 years of marriage. Joy and Noel were classmates in high school and remained sweethearts post high school graduation until they married three years later and together had four children. She was an avid supporter of Girl Scouts, engaging in scouting activities with her children when they were young and recollecting campfire songs to the very end.
After retirement, she enjoyed practicing her faith, which included Stephen Ministries involvement to support those with chronic illness with her gift of nursing as well as engaging in other Christian education service activities, international charities, and Bible studies at the Catholic church. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Tamera (Matthew) Lawrence; Cody (Becca) Mills; Chris (Amanda) Williams; David (Erica) Lassley; Megan Barrera; Kaz Gary; Shannon Gary; and Sebastian Gary. She delighted in greeting each great-grandchild to the family, Jaysa; Declan; Daisy; Luca; Revlynn; and Lincoln.
Many fond memories of family gatherings at her home in Goddard, Kansas of many years will be cherished by her family. She took great pleasure in decorating for the holidays and family celebrations making each celebration a festive affair and left a lasting mark, like her husband’s, with her generosity to her grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. Her memory will stay with us always. Her family takes comfort knowing she is resting in the Lord’s presence.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Noel J. Gary; one son-in-law Lloyd N. Mills; and one great-granddaughter Zoey Williams.
She is survived by her four devoted children: Bethany (Dave) McSwain of Maize, KS; Lori Gary (Steven Bryant) of Buckeye, AZ; Kathleen Gary of Winter Garden, FL; and Shaun (Deborah) Gary of Goddard, KS; eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Rosary with visitation: Monday, September 28, 7:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3642 North Ridge Road, Wichita, KS 67205. Funeral mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Wichita, KS: Tuesday, September 29, 10:30 a.m. Interment at Resthaven Cemetery, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209 will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kansas.
