Obituary: Joy Lee Little Vischio, 83, Of Fairfield

Information via the family of Joy Lee Little Vischio

Joy Lee Little Vischio, of Fairfield, CT, was born February 17, 1936 in Statesville, North Carolina. She passed on July 19 surrounded by her family at home after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

When Joy walked into a room she gave credit to her name. She spread happiness and light wherever she went, even through a difficult childhood in the South. After the untimely death of her mother she struck out solo to New York. She landed in Manhattan to work with underprivileged children and youth at the Church of All Nations. There she met the late Salvatore John Vischio, her husband of 55 years until he passed from Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.

After the birth of daughters, Marian Lee and Amy Joy, she worked at Creative Arts Nursery School, and put herself through college to obtain multiple degrees. Even as a working mom, Joy graduated with high honors while establishing her own Brookdale nursery school in Stamford. Known as ‘Mrs. Joy’, she forged her unique teaching style--she was spotted with a bright smile on her face, carrying her guitar case with the bumper sticker, “Sing for Joy.” And that’s exactly what the children did. Joy understood the power of music and harnessed it to shape and inspire young minds.

Joy later became a first-grade teacher for a diverse group of kids in Stamford Public School system’s Westover Magnet and Springdale Elementary. Her impact was so profound that when taken ill, decades later, she received cards of love and gratitude from former students and faculty.

When husband Sal’s Alzheimer’s required extensive care, Joy was with him daily at the new Jewish Home for Seniors. Again Joy brought her infectious love of life, sassy sense of humor, and musical instruments to the residents and staff. She quickly became a favorite.

Joy reached more lives through music in her later years as a member of the Kookie Ukies and The Four Strings. They performed at nursing homes and other gigs with band members who became dear friends. Joy played guitar for women inmates looking for a fresh start, and directed dozens of Christmas pageants at Stamford’s Turn of River Presbyterian Church (developing the TORCH children’s program), and later at First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield.

Joy dedicated her life to family, friends and God’s work. She just showed up when people were in need--a true gift, and rare combination of caring, fun, and doing the right thing. Joy loved to travel and work on home improvement projects, always pitching in to help anyone in need, and often out-lasting people half her age. She is one-of-a-kind, and will be sorely missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

Joy is survived by her daughters Amy (Chris Cahill), of Fairfield, CT, and Marian (Bill Lally), grandchildren Jenna, Matthew, and Peter of Silver Spring, MD. A service will be held at Southport Congregational Church on Saturday, July 27 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield “Joy’s Parlor” fund to help with her final desired decorating project left unfinished.