Obituary of Joyce E. Danovsky

In a manner befitting of how she lived her life, the eternally strong and fiercely loyal Joyce Elaine Danovsky (née Medinets), held on to her family and the world they shared together, finally passing on December 24, 2023, once again surpassing all expectations.

Raised in New Brunswick, NJ, Joyce was the eldest of four children (Stuart, Jan, and Debi), and became known for her “mama bear” qualities—protective over her inner circle and her love of and affinity for kids. After marrying the love of life, George R. Danovsky, in 1963, the family settled in Cranbury, NJ and had three children (Greg, David, and Christina), where home-cooked Italian feasts were weekday staples. A hard-worker, Joyce earned her degree in early childhood education from Trenton State while raising her family, and was later employed as a youth advocate and educator. This determination gave rise to an entrepreneurial spirit and she eventually established Country Bumpkins, an artisan craft company, through which she designed and handmade her signature soft-sculptured dolls, touring in juried craft show circuits.

Joyce brought passion to every aspect of life.  Whether she was giving piano lessons, or socializing with her friends while playing Bingo, Mahjong, and other games of chance, Joyce brought a vibrancy to everything she did and would spark up a conversation with just about anyone. She was never shy about her feelings or opinions, and was just as quick to laugh at them as she was to share them. Joyce always had a picture of her daughter, sons, or their kids on her phone, ready to show off how “beautiful” or “handsome” her relatives were to new friends and old. She enjoyed reading, her Dunkin Donuts coffee, bright colors (especially red), and being frustratingly good at words with friends. Joyce will also be remembered for her love of her husband, her ability to accept the change in others as she was to change herself, and her meticulous orchestration of holiday meals.

Joyce would be happy to know that she passed surrounded by family, approaching the end of her life with courage and optimism. She was especially grateful for the support of her husband and family (near and far) and friends, who bolstered, assisted, laughed, and reminisced during her remaining time. Predeceased by her parents, Adeline and Theodore, and brother Stuart; Joyce is survived by her husband, sisters (Jan and Debi and her husband Charlie), sister-in-law (Bette), children (Greg and his wife Maureen, David and his wife Nicki, Christina and her partner Ken), grandchildren (Caitlin, Daniel, Devon, Michelle, and Michael) and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ.

Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice by visiting In Memory Of at inmemof.org.