Joyce Eleanor Ewanick

Joyce Eleanor Ewanick, known to most everyone as “Joy,” died in Santa Barbara on March 23, 2016 after a year-long battle with cancer. Joy was born on Christmas Eve 1928 in Scottville, Michigan, to Ralph and Svea Bortell. She moved to Southern California as a young bride in 1946 and was active in school and community organizations. Whether it was serving on PTA committees or volunteering on the election board, Joy always gave of her time and talents. She served as VFW Auxiliary president in her 20’s and continued to contribute into her 70’s as Emblem Club President at the Elks Lodge in Hemet, California. Joy was patriotic, loved to dance, and was a generous and loyal friend. She understood everything from football to finance, adored small dogs, and was creative and artistic. During the several years she lived in Santa Barbara Joy found great satisfaction learning to make ceramics at the Braille Institute, after losing her sight to macular degeneration. Joy was a devoted wife and mother and is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter Ewanick, and her children, Jack and Joan Stuster, Jeri and Lindley Hoyle, and Joel and Elizabeth Ewanick. She also leaves six grandchildren, Dana Stuster, Juliet Stuster, Cooper Hoyle, Wyatt Hoyle, Spencer Ewanick, and Lauren Ewanick. Special thanks to the caregivers at Villa Santa Barbara and Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care. Donations in her memory may be made to the Braille Institute, Santa Barbara, or the Cancer Society. “Be cheerful, strive to be happy.”

Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.