Joyce "Joy" Ann (Stephenson) Armstrong

Joy Armstrong was certainly one of a kind. To know her was to admire and respect her. To know her well was truly a blessing!

For someone so diminutive, she was a large presence. Putting the Energizer Bunny to shame, Joy was constantly in action. As the original director she kept all the Sylvania Historic Museum and Village “balls” in play and did the same when she later volunteered at the Sylvania Moose Lodge 1579 and the VFW Post 2898. This was all while taking care of her family, hosting Wine Wednesdays for family and friends, and filling her home with delicious aromas from her home cooked meals, baked goods, jams, and jellies which she willingly shared with her family, her volunteer corps, and her many friends. Her dining room was usually filled with the latest craft projects, which also always found their way as gifts to her “peeps.” Generosity was her strong suit along with loyalty and passion for all things Sylvania past, present, and future. That passion was demonstrated by her love for her family, corps of volunteers, coworkers, and friends as those who knew her can attest.

She served as the curator of the Sylvania Historical Museum and Village from its founding in 1993 until her retirement in 2015. She was responsible for the village expansion, adding four buildings to the original log cabin and Cooke-Kuhlman Museum. She created all the educational school filed trip programs experienced by thousands of children. She also collaborated with Sylvania Schools special education department providing hands-on learning opportunities for their students, just to name a few of her innovations.

Previously, Joy was the manager of the original Jo-Jo’s Pizza and then the Tam-O-Shanter Loft, where she met Robert “Army” Armstrong, whom she married in 1985. He preceded her in death on October 16, 2021.

Joy was sustained by her deep faith and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua parish where she especially enjoyed providing for those in need during the holidays. 

Joy blessed her parents, Antoinette and Ralph Stephenson, on Dec. 13, 1945. On her passing Oct. 31, 2023, she was at home surrounded by her loving family, Stephen (Jodi) Przymierski, Desiree (Rick) Drumm, Veronica Bashaw, and Martin (Jamie) Armstrong. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Justin Przymierski, Lauren Goldberg, Corbin Przymierski, Geoffrey and Derek Bashaw, Zachary and Kathryn Drumm, Holden and Mackenzie Armstrong, great-granddaughter Nora Martin, sister-in-law Penny Sherman, nieces Wendy Sherman, Carrie Carter and Diane Smith. She was preceded in death by infant grandson Christian Parker Drumm.

Joy also offered care to many others over the years who she considered “family,” most importantly Stan Kowalinski, who called her his “momma 2.” The family is grateful for the support he has been able to provide.

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main St., in Sylvania on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 4 to 8 pm with a rosary at 6 pm. Catholic Mass will take place at 11 am on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at St. Anthony of Padua, 4605 St. Anthony Rd., Temperance. Following the service, beginning at 12:30 pm, a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Sylvania Moose Lodge 1579, 6072 N. Main St., Sylvania.

The family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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