Joyce Carole Susdorf

Joyce Susdorf (nee Vescio), age 76, died peacefully surrounded by her family after a long illness on May 17, 2021, in Henderson, Nevada.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Richard Susdorf, daughters Debbie Susdorf and Amy (Mike) McGill; grandsons, Jake and John McGill; sister Sharon (John) Rizzo; sisters in law Eleanor Gedutis, Lori Maioriello, and Jeanne Hogan; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Frank Vescio; baby granddaughters May and Sam, and many dear relatives and friends who became family.

Born in 1945 in Chicago, she later graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. Joyce went to beauty school and loved doing hair in the 60’s and later in her basement shop at home for friends and family. Many weekends in the 70’s and 80’s were spent coloring, cutting and giving home perms to friends and her test subject daughters. Joyce held many side jobs that enabled her to focus on the roles that made her proudest: wife, mother and homemaker. Joyce’s sparkling smile, outgoing demeanor and witty personality earned her sales awards as she sold Tupperware (many original pieces of which she still owns) and later Avon. She worked as a lunchroom mother at her daughters’ school and served as a Brownie Troop Leader. In 1989, she relocated with her family to Henderson, NV where she worked for years greeting visitors as a tour representative at Santo Tours.  

Joyce loved her family with her whole heart. She met her soulmate Richard as she was walking out of her job at Reflector Hardware on her last day and he was starting his first day at the company. They married in Melrose Park, IL in 1968 and had two daughters who were her pride and joy. She often bragged about them to anyone who would listen. Joyce welcomed her son-in-law Mike to the family with open arms and told people that he was the son she always wanted. When her grandsons were born, Joyce was over the moon at becoming a grandma. She never let a day go by without calling to tell them how much Grammy loved them.

Joyce was very social and outgoing, and her deep love of family extended to those who were not related by blood. She “adopted” many of her daughters’ friends as her 2nd kids and took great pride when they called her “mom.” She loved to cook and kept a fully stocked pantry that rivaled Costco’s shelves in case anyone dropped by. Her greatest satisfaction, besides her family, was ensuring nobody ever left her home with an empty stomach. Joyce loved the Chicago Cubs, I Love Lucy, cooking shows and old movies.

Joyce had a wicked sweet-tooth and could always be counted on to participate in a cookie-exchange or make the perfect dessert. She baked cupcakes and treats for her husband to bring to work every holiday. Rather than raising a glass to Joyce, she would be most pleased if folks were to remember her by indulging in a French silk pie, Fannie Mae candies, or other yummy chocolate treats.

A visitation is scheduled for Joyce at Davis Funeral Home on Sunday, May 30th from 10am to 12pm, with a brief service to follow at 12pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joyce’s extraordinary life. The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and outpouring of love at this time.