Obituary
Joyce Greenspan, nee Kagan, 73, beloved wife and best friend of Ronald for 52 wonderful years; loving mother of David (Heidi) Greenspan and Bryan (Cheryl) Greenspan; cherished grandma of Jake and Nicholas; devoted daughter of the late Ruth and Philip Kagan; dear sister of Shari (David) Shapiro and the late Louie (Barb) Kagan; treasured sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend of many.
Born and raised in the South Shore neighborhood as the oldest of a close-knit family, Joyce was a natural leader, guardian, and someone who made sure that everyone was taken care of and always had what they needed. When she met Ron at 15, she knew immediately that there was no one more perfect to spend the rest of her life with and their marriage of 52 years together began after she graduated from college.
At the University of Illinois, she met some of her closest lifelong friends who were also the first of several mahjong groups that she would be a part of throughout her life. Joyce was smart, witty, had an amazing sense of style, and her smile could light up a room. She was always on trend, kept up with the latest technology, and knew the newest popular card game, appetizer, or mixed drink to bring to the party. She knew exactly how to make every moment fun, beautiful, warm and welcoming, all while making it seem effortless. Yet behind the scenes we knew all the work she put in to make holiday meals and even simple get togethers special. She would always add special details for everyone in attendance whether it was making sure their favorite food was included or that she had special treats waiting for her grandchildren EVERY TIME they saw each other without ANY exception.
Joyce was the first person to offer help and the first person to make whatever sacrifice was needed so things were easier on someone else. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her family or her friends. Even when it was difficult for her, you would never hear about it. Joyce never hesitated to do what was right and go the extra mile for the people she loved.
It will be impossible to have matzoh ball soup and think there could be anything better than hers, or decorate a table on the holidays and try to do better than she could. The love and thoughtfulness she put into every detail are the beautiful memories we will always cherish. Joyce was a devoted wife, an amazing mother, an incredible sister, a fun grandma, a great friend, a loving matriarch, a teacher, an office manager, a great card player, a non-judgmental listener, and a generous soul. Joyce helped us understand that the simplest of things are what make all the difference, and that every moment we share with loved ones are meant to be handled with love and care. She will be missed, but her memory is a true blessing.
Chapel service Monday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org. For the link to virtually view the service, shiva information and to share condolences with the family, you are invited to The Continental Restaurant at 788 Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL. More details can be found at: www.shalom2.com.