Joyce E. Kuntz

Joyce Elizabeth Smith Kuntz, 96, of Hemlock Road, St. Marys, passed away Tuesday evening, June 20, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor, following a brief illness.

She was born October 1, 1926, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Jerome and Mary Mertz Smith.

On June 11, 1949, in the Sacred Heart Church, Joyce married the late Gerard Kuntz, who preceded her in death on February 12, 2004.

Joyce is survived by three daughters: Kathryn Pierce (Greg), Jan Lutz (Denny), and Connie Turner (Woody); two sons: Karl Kuntz (Laura) and Jack Kuntz (Debby); six grandchildren: Kelly Masucci (Michael), Shannon Katka (Noah), Zada Komara, Zachary Lutz (Miriam), Brianne Muccio (Joe), and Brett Kuntz; six great-grandchildren: Giuliana Muccio, Dominic Muccio, Abbi Katka, Ole’ Katka, Matthew Katka, and Lucas Masucci.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joyce was preceded in death by twin sisters, Joan and Johanna Smith.

Joyce graduated in 1944 from Central High School.  She belonged to the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps in World War II and earned her R.N. Degree at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and her B.S. Degree at St. Joseph College.

She was a former employee at Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital and a member of the Nurses Study Club.  She was a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound in St. Marys and Florida and volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels and at the Humane Society.  Joyce was an avid reader, gardener, traveler, and swimmer.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Special thanks to her caregivers and friends: Jan Redmond, Debbie Pichler, Bobbie Samick, Diane Samick, Char Warmbrodt, Jackie El-Awar, Jean Saline, Lynn Hogan, Teri Martini, Debbie Meyer, Amy Krise Keller, Kassie Zilkofski, Laura Valentine, Julie Gleixner, Amanda Brown Poirier, Virginia Erich, Vicki Coppolo, and Zita Greenawalt.

In honor of Joyce, please take a moment to volunteer your time at the Elk County Humane Society or make a donation to the organization at Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.