Krivak

Joyce Marie (Ripple) Krivak, loving daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and beloved wife, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, surrounded by family.

She was the first child of the late Carl Ripple and the late Victoria (Sprock) Ripple; sister to Gloria Ripple; devoted wife of 59 years to the late Tom Krivak; caring mother to Sandy (Krivak) Fowler, Tom Krivak and Katherine Krivak; incredible grandmother to Tom’s kids, Courtney, Thomas and Miriam and Sandy’s kids, Victoria, Addison and Aedan; loving great-grandmother to Courtney’s kids, Eleanor and Winona; sister-in-law to Ginni and Skip Stevenson, the late Joe and Jean Krivak, the late Kay and Joe Naret; and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Born in a small home built by her father in Central City, Pa., on Nov. 23, 1941, Joyce had wonderful memories growing up. She was a graduate of Shade High School and was actively involved in many clubs. Upon high school graduation, she attended West Chester University, graduated with a degree in education, and became engaged to the man who had been her first date in high school, Tom. During high school and college, their love grew, and they married in 1963.

Joyce and Tom moved to Indiana for Tom to finish coursework. Joyce then had two children, Sandy and Tom. Next was Akron, Ohio, for 18 years, while welcoming their third child, Katherine. Joyce was an active member in the Nativity of The Lord Jesus Catholic Church, serving as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher. Her work was always dedicated to helping children. She was a public schoolteacher, preschool teacher and certified U.S. Gymnastics Federation (USGF) official.

If Joyce was not in a gym, she was at the softball field, football field or gymnasium for basketball. Endlessly supporting her children in sports and activities as they grew up brought Joyce happiness and pride. She was also heavily involved in her children's education by volunteering at numerous school functions, helping to pass school levies, and teaching her children the importance of education, working hard, helping others and being loyal to commitments, family and friends.

After living in Akron, the Krivaks returned to Pennsylvania, calling Harrison City home for 30 years. Joyce became a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church. More than anything, Joyce loved being a mom and grandmother. When she was with her grandchildren, her creativity and love was always present while making arts and crafts, playing games and teaching them how to cook. She also was the hostess with the mostest, and her home was the place to be for celebrations! Joyce loved hosting family and friends while creating a home that made every person feel welcome and never hungry — thanks to her homemade pierogies and homemade pizza.

Their final move was to Zelienople to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Their years there continued to be filled with wonderful memories while attending their grandchildren's athletic and school events. Joyce believed and taught her family that the most important gift we can give our children is to be present.

Joyce always will be remembered for “being the greatest mom, grandma and person, and had a way of making everyone feel so special.” Her warmth, kindness, generosity and love of learning that she gifted to her children and grandchildren was the greatest gift they received. She truly brought “joy” to the name Joyce.

KRIVAK — Mass for Joyce Marie (Ripple) Krivak, who died Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Angels (Sacred Heart) Catholic Church, Central City, Pa., with a burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Joyce to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, www.michaeljfox.org, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.