Obituary of Joyce B. Spera

Joyce B. Spera (nee Kulaka), 84, died peacefully on July 12th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband Anthony and her brother Donald Kulaka. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Patricia Spera (Christopher Candela), Karen Sheridan (Joseph), and the shining light in her life, her grandson Matthew Sheridan. Joyce is also survived by her sister Susan Laurito (Leonard), her brother Charles Kulaka, many nieces, nephews and friends. While Joyce worked various jobs during her life, the one she loved the most and considered most rewarding was caring for her family. She had a passion for cooking and gardening, both of which she continued throughout her life, and she instilled that passion in her daughters and grandson. During her younger years Joyce was an avid tennis player and skier. Later in life she learned to create stained glass and made beautiful pieces which hung in her home. She was also proud of her Ukrainian heritage and continued to keep those traditions alive, teaching them to her daughters and grandson to carry on. Joyce also had a strong faith which supported her during her illness. She was an active member of Holy Family R.C. Church. Joyce was a free spirit. She will be especially remembered for her generous heart, tenacity, wry sense of humor, and the ability to make friends wherever she went. Her grandson Matthew brought her great joy. They had many daytrips, dined out often, played games of Monopoly, and made so many other memories. A few of their favorite places to visit were the Staten Island Zoo, Red Lobster, and The Staaten. The visitation will be at Matthew Funeral Home on Wednesday July 17th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Final visitation will take place Thursday July 18th from 9:30am -10:30am followed by a funeral mass at 11 am at Holy Family R.C. Church. Interment to follow at St. Peters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made in Joyce's name to either The Myelodysplastic Foundation Inc. (https://www.mds-foundation.org/) or The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).