Joyce M. Lesar

February 20, 1956 - August 7, 2019

Joyce M. Lesar, age 63, of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of Whiting, Indiana, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. She is survived by her best friend and life partner: Joseph Geber; her children: Angela (Jordan Barrett) Andrews, Carrie (Michael) Zarowny, and Brandon (Wendy Schmicker) Geber; and her beloved 6 grandchildren: Kate, Laydon, Michael Jr., Max, Weston, and Gavin. Joyce is also survived by her brothers: Brian Lesar and Tommy Lesar; several nieces and nephews; and by her mother-in-law: Mae Geber. She was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph & Jeanne Lesar; and a sister: Jeanne Shimala (nee Lesar). Joyce attended Clark High School of Hammond, Indiana. She worked for Richway Gyros of Whiting, Indiana as a manager for years 15 years, where she welcomed students and made lifelong friends. She changed the lives of most people she met because of her contagious smile, humorous laugh, and willing to give out hugs. Joyce was a kind and gentle person who loved spending time with family and friends. She was long known for her sense of humor, positive outlook on life, and love for her coffee. There was nothing she enjoyed more than a conversation with a good friend or one of her kids and grandkids. She never forgot a birthday and remembered to let people know she was thinking of them no matter her situation. She played a very active role as a grandmother to all of her grandchildren, giving advice, words of wisdom, and a yearly happy birthday song without fail. She accepted the challenge of attending every opportunity to see a baseball game, family gatherings, Grandparent’s Day, and soccer game that she could. She let each of her children know, and also her grandchildren, that there is nothing to be afraid of. God and Heaven are real, and that she would be just fine. Joyce wanted people to celebrate her life as opposed to being sad. Joyce overcame all odds 11 years ago when she was blessed to receive a double lung transplant. She never looked back at her circumstances, but lived for the future and poured her life into her family and grandchildren. An Organ donation is what saved Joyce's life and her family is so appreciative to those who are organ donors!! Without the organ donation, the extra 11 years that Joyce was given would not have been possible. "Thank you" to those families and their loved ones who care enough to give so that others can live. Every time we see a butterfly we will always think of her knowing that she will always be around us, and that is what she believed as well. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Memory Lane Funeral Home, 6305 W. Lincoln Highway (US 30), Crown Point, Indiana. A Catholic Mass will be held on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1849 Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, Indiana. Crown Cremations is handling the arrangements. For further information, please contact the funeral home (219) 322-2050. www.memorylanepark.com