Joyce Sanvi
Joyce Sanvi (nee Pieper), age 75, of Staunton, IL and North Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully in St. Louis, MO on November 26th, 2024, due to complications from her short, brave battle with lymphoma. Joyce was born on December 30, 1948 in Litchfield, IL, daughter of the late Dean and Evelyn (Grman) Pieper. She married Robert “Bob” Sanvi on August 28, 1971 in Staunton, IL and he survives.
Raised in Mt. Olive and Staunton, she worked her way through Staunton High School and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville by waiting tables at various restaurants along old 66. Lucky for Bob, he frequently ate at various restaurants along old 66. Lucky for Joyce, she was his waitress one night in August 1967 when he had 2 tickets to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass at the IL State Fair. She spent her working years teaching English at Triad and Staunton High Schools, providing administration support for Bob’s businesses, and raising her children. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling, golfing, reading, gardening, shopping, cooking, live theatre, and bossing Bob around. Her family will especially miss her Christmas Eve prime rib, salads with every dinner, and homemade pies. She rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy during the Trebek dynasty and often had HGTV or the Food Network on TV or Andrea Bocelli on the Alexa while she went about her day.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children – Deanna (Phil Winslow) Sanvi of St. Louis, MO, and Vincent (Amy) Sanvi of Troy, IL; a sister Michele Brown of Staunton, IL, and a brother Kelly (Julie Howell) Pieper of Denver, CO; many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends who were like family.
A visitation will be held from 9am-11am, followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 11am, on Saturday, December 14th, 2024 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Staunton, IL with the Very Rev. Thomas Hagstrom officiating.
Memorials in memory of Joyce are suggested to Evelyn’s House or Pedal the Cause.
Goodbye, my friend, until we meet again. I miss you!!!
My heart is broken. Joyce and I have been best friends since second grade. I will miss our long phone calls, our private Book Club, her smile, her laugh, her unbelievable memory, and our trips to Puerto Vallarta with Susan, our other best friend. Bob, Deanna, and Vinnie, please hold onto the precious memories of your dear wife and mother. May they bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
To Bob and family,
So very sorry that of the loss of Joyce. She was a special type of person, the glue that keeps family and friends together, I’m sure she will be missed by everyone she touched. A special condolence to my old friend, I am truly sorry for your loss.
I respect and love Joyce more than anyone. She was part of our family. This is a deep loss, but a life we will celebrate.
She was delightful. Bob and all of us were blessed with her always. Terrific family. Joyce always made me feel special, because she was the most special. An exceptional person.
Bob, Deanna and Vinnie,
My heart is broken. From the time I was 13 and couldn’t wait to get the phone call to babysit for y’all until reconnecting via Facebook, I always admired her. Please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. With love and fondest memories, Linda (Chasteen) Novak
It is difficult to express in words the feeling of loss and grief at losing Joyce. Her brilliant smile and radiant presence set her apart from most I know. Our daughters have always referred to her as one of the very best teachers they had at high school. I will never forget her phone call to report spotting our doggies on Reservoir road or her smile at the famous Sanvi backyard party.
Bob, Deanna and Vincent, I hope the memories of the wonderful years with Joyce, as filled with life, love, laughter and joy as is possible, will bring a measure of comfort to you. Our thoughts are with you and all yours at this time—
Poonam and Raj Jain
Deanna, so sorry for your loss, may she RIP. If she was anything like you, she would be love, caring, humor and efficiency all rolled into one. Condolences to your family.
I will miss you my dear friend and classmate. Our band trips, sleep overs, GAA camp outs and our more recent get togethers with our classmates. You were the smart girl in class and kept the grading curve high. You were always so sweet and kind with a ready smile. I cherish the talk we had a few weeks back. Say Hi to your parents and mine. Love you.
Bob, Deanna and Vinnie. We are saddened by your loss. Joyce was always fun to spend time with. We always enjoyed our dive trips with her and Bob. Hold each other close. Our thoughts and love are with you. John and Karen