Patricia Joyce Konoval

September 22, 1935 - April 14, 2020

A woman before her time, Patricia Joyce Konoval, known to all by "Joyce" left a far-reaching legacy throughout her life's many accomplishments.

Born in Oakland in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1935, an only child of Rose and Joe Bernini, Joyce and her family lived in several suburbs throughout the Pittsburgh area while growing up. After graduating from Wilkinsburg, High School, Joyce started college at Grove City. While there she put her singing and performing skills to work in 'Madwoman of Chaillot', getting the lead role as a Freshman. After Freshman year Joyce was accepted to the prestigious Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon) University in Pittsburgh. There she excelled in all aspects that the University had to offer. Joyce continued her acting and shared her talents on the stage while performing in school musicals such as 'South Pacific'. She was a member and leader in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and always enjoyed dancing and socializing at the fraternity parties in addition to achieving academic distinctions. During the beginning of her Sophomore year she met her future husband George Konoval (while on a date with another gentleman). Never wanting to miss a party, Joyce would attend the fraternity parties and George would come and meet her there to drive her home. On a few occasions she actually got him to stay and dance. Joyce graduated from Carnegie Tech with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. After graduating from Carnegie Tech in 1955, Joyce went on to pursue a career in radio at KDKA in Pittsburgh. Joyce then went on to United States Steel where she was the executive secretary for a senior level executive in labor management. On November 21st, 1959, George and Joyce were married at a Chapel in St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh on 5th Avenue, with 125 guests in attendance. The reception was at the Turnway Inn, in Monroeville, PA. They casually decided to "try marriage" saying to each other – if it doesn't work out, we'll figure it out – their marriage lasted almost 61 years. While following George's career with United States Steel, Joyce and her family relocated 7 times. Joyce never resisted a move, greeting each opportunity as an adventure and a way to further expose her children to a variety of experiences and environments. There were three moves in and out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, (Monroeville, North Hills, and Upper St. Clair), as well as time spent in Louisville, Kentucky, and Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Indiana. Finally, they retired to the spot that the family spent endless vacations throughout the years, Hilton Head Island, SC. Here they spent many wonderful years while their youngest, Jennifer, finished high school at Hilton Head Prep, and then moved to Bluffton, SC, prior to their last move to Fort Mill, SC, to be close to Jennifer and her family. George and Joyce also enjoyed extensive travel throughout Europe during George's career and loved experiencing; London, Paris; while strolling the Champs-Elysees, Heidelberg, Dusseldorf, Milan, Rome (which was her favorite place coming from a maiden name of Bernini, and a place she always hoped to return), Buenos Aires, Caracas, San Paolo, and Rio De Janeiro, just to name a few.

The legacy Joyce was most proud of was her family and children. She is survived by her husband, George (Fort Mill, SC). She raised and is survived by 3 children; Linda (Newburyport, MA), George (American Canyon, CA), and Jennifer (Matthews, NC). Along with 6 grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren and 2 sons and 1 daughter in-law. Joyce invested her entire life and all her energy in raising her children and providing for the every need of her family. The best times she had was when she was with her children or grandchildren and/or if she was invited other places and someone showed an interest in hearing about them.

Joyce's qualities were many;

• She was engaging. As one of her granddaughters wrote to her "you always felt like you were the only person in the room when Grandma spoke to you." She was always "in the moment". She listened intently and shared enthusiastically, especially when talking about her children or grandchildren and all that they had accomplished.

• She was a fashionista. As another granddaughter wrote; "Grandma always looked her best. Her hair and nails done. Her outfit, shoes, and jewelry stylish, and always had the finishing touch with her Revlon Coral lipstick, leaving her "mark" that let us know Grandma had been there."

• She was the life of the party; always with a glass of wine in her hand, always ready to dance (when she could), and always enjoying the food, libations, and conversation of all that attended.

• She loved unconditionally. No matter our faults or sins or anger or issues, she loved like no other, tenderly, with care, compassion, and unconditional love that you never questioned.

• She was proud. She was proud of her husband and what together they accomplished. Two only children, coming from very little and making a wonderful life and family for their children.

• She was adventuresome and lived without fear. She was willing to embrace the unknown. Trusting that each new experience would provide learning, growth, and opportunities.

• She was happy. She put up with a lot throughout her life and never complained. She kept her troubles to herself and dealt with all that came her way with grace. She was a role model in this way.

Joyce passed peacefully in her sleep while at home surrounded by her family and her beloved dog, Caroline, on Tuesday morning, April 14th, 2020. She will never be forgotten.