SOUTH BEND
Joyce Ann Borowski, 73, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and Borowski matriarch, passed away at 7:10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Hospice House, South Bend, IN with her family by her side. Joyce (pronounced “Joycee”) was born on August 10, 1944 in Herron, IL to the late Clarence Amos Hurt and Lucille Brown.
She graduated the top of her class from Freetown High School in 1962 and from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana in 1966. On March 3, 1973 in Indianapolis, IN, Joyce and Jacob M. “Jack” Borowski were united in marriage. She has lived in South Bend since 1983.
Along with her loving husband, Jack, survivors include their four children, Jacob M. Borowski, III (partner of Colleen Moore), of South Bend, Jamie Clare Tapia, (wife of Cristopher Damian Tapia), of Chicago, Jessica Lucille Kovach, (partner of Trey Gray), of South Bend, and Jonathan A. Borowski of South Bend; six grandchildren, Milo Kovach, Monty Kovach, Maxwell Gray, Darien Tapia, Eiten Tapia and Augustus Borowski; two sisters, Jimmie Lou Ault of Freetown, IN and Terry Edwards of Terre Haute, IN; and nieces/nephews, Jodi Conner, Robyn Ault, Wayne McKillip, Eric McKillip, Zachary McKillip, Kate Edwards, and Emily Edwards and a very special person in Joyce’s life, Alyssa M. Abel.
Joyce was a wonderful mother and very supportive of her family. Her greatest passions were her family, music and genealogy. She was also an avid reader, collecting thousands of books through the years. Her love of music began at an early age and was encouraged by her father who bought her first instruments. As a young girl, she began singing in the Spraytown Free Methodist Church and continued performing throughout her life. She appeared in numerous performances at Battell Center in Mishawaka, Indiana, and was very involved in dance and theater. She loved singing with her children and never turned down an opportunity to sing at an open mic with them. Joyce’s love of animals was legendary, sharing her home with multiple dogs and cats over the years.
Joyce spent a large part of her life exploring and cataloging her family genealogy. She was proud of her Scottish and Appalachian roots, loved exploring the rich heritage and music of her ancestors and was considered an expert in her field by her peers. Joyce had visited the Scottish Highlands, where her Clan Shaw ancestors roamed, many times. Joyce could date back her family to their arrival to the United States in the late 18th century, with roots in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. She was very proud of her adoring father, who served in the military and later worked for the US Postal Service until his death. Joyce was raised by a truly extraordinary mother, Lucille, who, like her daughters, was independent, intelligent, bold, kind, and truly treasured the family and friends in her life.
Joyce’s family would like to thank Geoff and Peg Snyder, Tony and Paula Kupferer and Meredith Kapusta for their support and friendship during Joyce’s long illness. We, along with Joyce, will always consider you all a part of our family. A special thanks on behalf of the family is extended to Senior 1 Care, The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Michiana Hematology & Oncology, and Dr. David Taber for their excellent and compassionate care.
A Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan St., Lakeville, IN 46536. A time of sharing will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a catered meal at 6:00 p.m.
Memorial service will be held October 14, 2017 at the Spraytown Free Methodist Church, 2410 West SR 58, Seymour, IN 47274, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 12:00 p.m. The internment of ashes immediately following the memorial service will be held at the Spraytown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joyce A. Borowski may be donated to the Spraytown Free Methodist Church, 2410 West SR 58, Seymour, IN 47274 or to the St. Joseph County Humane Society, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Online condolences may be offered to the Borowski family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.