Joyce A. Straka

On October 7, 2024, Joyce A. Straka of Toledo passed away at the age of 72, surrounded by her loving family. She had suffered serious injuries from a fall in the family home. Joyce was born on September 11, 1952 to Carl and Helen Crowe. 

She graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1970, and was a devoted employee of the Toledo Municipal Courts for over 30 years.

She married her husband, James Straka on October 6, 1973, spending 51 years in marriage. Together, Jim and Joyce raised two children. Joyce loved spending time with her family, making them feel as if they were the most important people in the world. She excelled at caring for others, both family and friends that became like family. Joyce enjoyed many aspects of life, including going to the family cottage in the Irish Hills of Michigan, gardening, and listening to music while she cleaned the house. Joyce was a breast cancer and kidney cancer survivor, the original inspiration for the phrase "Straka Strong". 

She is survived by her husband James; daughter Jill (Dennis) and son Jeff (Leslie); grandchildren Elijah (Lizzie), Aaron, and Jesse; sisters Karen and Kathleen (Mike); brother-in-law William (Nancy); great grandchildren (Olive and Mabel); and many nieces and nephews. 

Joyce will always be remembered as the person that steered the Straka ship.

 Visitation with the family will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Fairgreen Presbyterian Church (3220 Laskey Rd., Toledo, OH 43613), followed by a celebration of life service at 12:30 am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross.