Obituary: Joyce M. Souza, 82, Of Fairfield

The following obituary is from Spear-Miller Funeral Home:

Joyce Souza passed away in the comfort of her home on August 21 st 2023, in the loving care of her
grandson James and surrounded by family. Joyce was born April 19, 1941 in Manhattan New York, to the late Bertram and Mary deMaille. She graduated from Stratford High School and went on to marry her late husband, David Souza, in 1961 and start a family of her own. She was a resident of Fairfield, CT for 60 years.

A beautiful young woman, Joyce modelled dresses and was known to occasionally “rock” mini-skirts and boots during the height of that fashion. She was a natural for teaching her children how to water ski, and later, teaching adult ballroom dancing with her husband. She made the best portuguese stuffing, spaghetti sauce, beef soup and apple crisp. Her holiday spreads at Easter and Christmas were beautiful.

Helping to raise her younger brothers while her parents worked, Joyce went on to raise three children of her own, as well as two of her grandchildren. Most recently she helped care for her husband David before his passing. Joyce had a special place in her heart for babies and young children. One of her most beloved memories was making cupcakes for all the neighborhood children at Halloween. She was known to many as “grandma”, whether related or not, and will be sadly missed.

Joyce is survived by her two daughters Deborah (Daniel) Wolfram of East Hampton, Deidre (Peter) Tutka of Shelton, son David J Souza of Oxford, grandchildren Michael (Katie) Cavalli, James Souza, Jackie Souza, Emma Wolfram, Ava Demas, Alex Tutka, great grandchildren Anna Leah Pasternak and Jaccson Souza.

Besides her parents and husband David, she was predeceased by her younger brothers Louis and Alfred deMaille, stepson David “Scotty” Souza and her kind and beautiful granddaughter, Viviana Cavalli.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Magga, Maureen and Rose from Top Notch Care Services, Hospice, as well as everyone who visited and held her in their thoughts and prayers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Emery Church, 838 Kings Highway East, Fairfield. Friends and family may visit on Saturday from 9:30 AM-10:30 AM at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd. Fairfield.

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