Joyce A. Biziak

Joyce Ann Biziak (nee Hess), age 81, longtime resident of Kirtland, Ohio, departed this world on March 22, 2019 surrounded by her family under the care of Cleveland Clinic’s Hospice Service. Joyce was born April 9, 1937 in Emporium, PA. Joyce lost her beloved husband, Leo Biziak, in 1995 and remained widowed the rest of her life. Preceding her in death, she was the daughter of Frank & Catherine (nee Brosky) Hess, and sister of Frank Hess Jr.

Joyce graduated from Shaw High School in 1955. During her working years, she was employed at White Motors, Ft. George G. Meade in Maryland, and lastly as an administrative assistant at Rotor Tool. Joyce continued her education at Lakeland Community College. Early on, participating in 4H, Joyce enjoyed showing and training Doberman Pinschers (her favorite dog); later in life downsizing to a Dachshund, Min-Pin and lastly a Chihuahua. She had many talents and interests, one of her favorite hobbies was sewing and she made her own exquisitely creative cloth dolls. She also enjoyed oil painting. She collected dolls and was an active buyer and seller on eBay for many years. When she was able, she also loved to travel and see the world.

In 1972, Joyce embarked upon what she called the most satisfying adventure of her lifetime. She was the first ever in the state of Ohio to attempt to establish adoption proceedings between Ohio and South America, adopting first a son and then 21 months later, a daughter, both infants. In doing so, she paved the way and for several years assisted many other couples add children to their families by establishing the protocol that would allow out of country adoptions. Eternally grateful to her, those families still kept contact with her to this day.

Joyce had a zest for life, and was always curious to learn and try new things. Blessed with an intellectual nature, she was technologically savvy and possessed vast knowledge on a variety of topics/issues and was a great resource to all that knew her. When her health prevented her from crafting, she continued to participate in hobbies, family get-togethers and church events, and events with friends (Fabulous Over 50 Late Bloomers Red Hat Chapter of Lake County), many of whom have since already passed on. Joyce was strong and independent, but also loving, friendly and social. She was a planner, a deep thinker, very determined and very thorough. She loved to laugh and possessed a quick wit. She loved the beauty of nature, the wisdom of the Bible, and her family and friends. It was (and is) her hope and prayer, that none would perish but receive eternal life by God’s Grace. Joyce was cherished and will be dearly missed by all.

Loving mother of Heston Biziak and Kathryn “Katie” Hoover (husband Kip); cherished daughter of the late Frank and Catherine (nee Brosky) Hess; dearest sister of the late Frank Hess Jr.; dear aunt of Dori and Frank Daniel Hess and great-aunt of Sloane Facemyer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joyce to Chester Christian Center, 11815 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026. Celebration of Life Service Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 11 AM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Burial following at Willoughby Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joyce at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) WEDNESDAY 4-7 PM & THURSDAY MORNING 10-11 AM.