Obituary of Joyce Alicia Kaunitz

Kaunitz-Walker, Joyce A.

Midland, MI

 

Joyce Alicia Kaunitz (Walker), age 85 of Midland, went home to be with Jesus her Savior on July 9, 2023 after a lengthy illness. She is no longer in pain, experiencing only the joy of heaven. Joyce was born on May 16, 1938 in St. Johns to the late Glen and Ethel (Myers) Kaunitz. As a small child she lived in Holland, then moved to Bay City, Michigan where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Handy High School in 1956 where she was a drum majorette with the marching band. She spent time in California working for American Airlines before moving back to Michigan. She attended Delta College earning an Associate Degree in Accounting with honors in 1980. She worked for Weinlander- Fitzhugh in Bay City as a bookkeeper from 1980 to 1993. In 1993 she moved to Panama City Beach Florida and worked as a bookkeeper for a flooring company, a hotel chain, and Runaway Island, one of her favorite beach bars in PCB. She was always happy to host family and friends at her Florida home and made many trips with them to her favorite place: the beach. Joyce made many friends in PCB, especially at her place of worship, St. Thomas By the Sea Episcopal Church. It was there that she joined Daughters of the King, a service organization that she loved being a part of. She rarely went anywhere without wearing her Daughters cross necklace. While in Florida, she was president of the local Optimist’s Club, earning state honors. She missed her Michigan families so she lived in Michigan in the summer and Florida in the winter. She moved back to Michigan full time in 2002 living in Sanford, Bay City, Metamora, then Midland. 

She was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Bay City and most recently Our Family Episcopal Church in Midland. She remained active in the local Daughters chapter until recently when she no longer had the energy.  Joyce was an avid seamstress her whole life making clothes and gifts for her family as well as quilted purses. She loved her cats Sunshine and Tucker as well as any animal that came her way. 

She is survived by her children, Glen Walker of Metamora, Dawn (Mark) Dunn of Troy, and Dana (Don) Schwab of Midland; grandchildren, Jason Roozenburg, Stephen (Deanna) Walker, James Walker, Shannon (Jeff) Vachon, Emery “Joe” Dubuis, Callie Dubuis, Jade Dubuis, Evan Schwab, Cassie (Ben) Workman, and Michael (Anne) Schwab; great-grandchildren, Kaylee (Zack) Volk, Madison Moore, Hadleigh Vachon, Alahna Ayotte, Adelynn and Rylee Dubuis, Ares, Athena, and Aurora Walker, Leah and Jack Workman, and Ellie and Neil Schwab; one great-great-grandson, Grayson Volk.  In addition, she is dearly loved and remembered by Lynne Walker-Costigan. She was especially proud of her grandsons that served in the military. She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Peggy Ann. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, September 16, 2023, at Holy Family Episcopal Church, 4611 Swede Ave., Midland MI 48642.  The family will receive friends at church prior to the service from 9:30 AM - 11 AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks those planning an expression of sympathy to consider memorial contributions for Senior Services of Midland or Holy Family Episcopal Church of Midland.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

 

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