Joyce Ann Karpie

Cherished By Family

Joyce Ann Karpie, 81, died February 23, in Shelton. She was born on April 18, 1929, to Florence (Burns) and Andrew Kryvonis in Bridgeport, where she was raised and spent most of her life.

She always said that her absolutely greatest joy in life was being a mother to her “little brood” of four children, Karen of Newtown, who is married to Kevin Murphy, April and Andrew, who both reside with their children in California, and her late daughter, Linda. She was a loving and doting grandmother to four.

She was blissfully married for 60 years to former Bridgeport firefighter Leo Karpie, until his death in 2008.

Her children are most grateful to their beloved mother for instilling in them a lifelong love of reading and learning. She was determined to give her own children the opportunities she never had and she constructed a life for them that was rich in educational experiences so they would be fully prepared for higher education. She and her husband also made many financial sacrifices so that their children could attend college, law school, and graduate school.

She and her husband retired to Florida where they enjoyed 20 golden years until moving back to Connecticut in 2006 to be closer to family in their declining years.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff of Bishop Wicke Health Center, who tenderly cared for Mrs Karpie during the past year.

At her request, there will be no calling hours and a private burial will take place in the near future. Those who would like to celebrate her life are asked to read a good book.

For online memorials, visit commercehillfh.com.

The Newtown Bee        March 4, 2011