Joyce Darlyn Mehegan, 77 of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024. She was born May 31, 1947 in Chicago, IL to the late Stanley and Lottie Mae (Hughes) Simkus. Joyce began her career in retail sales and then in flooring at Von Tobel’s, but her true love was caring for others. She has been a caregiver for her grandson, Jacob, and you would find Joyce at the bowling alley and at all his Special Olympic Events. In the past she enjoyed traveling and ballroom dancing with her husband, Patrick, they were even known to crash weddings just to dance. Joyce will be greatly missed by her family and those lives she touched along the way.
On November 5, 1966, Joyce married Patrick Mehegan who survives along with their daughters, Diane J. (Robert “Scott”) Cummings and Christine Mehegan; grandchildren, Jacob, Luke (Elli), Noah, and Douglas; and a great grandchild, Torben.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Special Olympics.
GUESTBOOK
Our deepest condolences to Patrick and family. We enjoyed do many good times with Joyce and Pat on a lot of cruises. May Joyce rest in peace. Love one family. -Clyde and Fran Toczydlowski
My condolences to Joyce's family and friends. I have been friends with Joyce for many years dating back to grade school. We had many good times and I have great memories of her. May she rest in peace.... -Mary Tanzillo Ryan
My deepest condolences to Patrick and family. Joyce was a champion to her family and friends. Her laugh will be remembered by many and they will smile just thinking of her. I will miss the times we had together. -Mary Ricken
I'm so sorry for the loss of our Dear Cousin. Tho we weren't in close touch over the years I tried to stay in touch via Joyce's FB posts. I loved her Dearly and in our younger years we were close. She will always be remembered and sorely missed. Love you always Joyce! -Karen Evans Ammerman
I am so sorry for your loss. Joyce was a lovely spiritual person who I will miss, especially at our 1965 GWHS Ladies Annual Luncheons. I didn't know Joyce much in high school where I met her. I just knew she was beautiful with her strawberry blond hair and Irish complexion. And who can forget her beautiful piano accompaniment for our 1965 graduation day! But I got to know Joyce at our annual luncheons and I'm glad I did. I was drawn to her because of her lovely demeanor of love and spirituality. She was always so positive and I loved her grandson Jacob who she idolized. He was always so polite and I'm sure Joyce had something to do with that on how Joyce raised him. I'll miss you Joyce but I'm sure you're in a better place. Rest in peace friend! Your spiritual friend in love always, -Barbara Crowley
My sympathy to Patrick and Jacob and the entire family. Joyce was my very first best friend...BFF. We became friends at about 3 or 4 years old and lived a few houses away from each other. We spent hours and hours playing with all of our dolls. I would accompany her to her piano lessons. We had such a great childhood. We went separate ways but reunited our friendship several years ago with a 4 1/2 hour lunch. We have kept in touch since. I will miss her very much. R.I.P my friend. -Michelle ' Micki' Dolac
