Joyce O. Schanzenbach, 81, of Leesburg, FL passed away peacefully at UF Health Leesburg Hospital on Monday, November 14, 2022. A memorial service honoring her memory will be planned and announced at a future date.
Joyce was born August 12th, 1941, to Aaron and Sarah Hess in Stonersville, PA. She graduated from Exeter High School and subsequently attended Millersville University, earning a B.A. in Education. Later in life she earned a Master of Education from Kutztown University.
In 1964 Joyce married the love of her life, William Schanzenbach (Bill), and had three children, Scott, Karen, and Stacey. She worked as an elementary school teacher in the Southern Lehigh School District and retired in 1993. Following retirement, Joyce and Bill moved to Leesburg, FL where they lived for 25 years.
Throughout her life, Joyce enjoyed doing volunteer work, most recently leading a group making afghans for children at Boggy Creek Camp. She loved water and step aerobics, line dancing, gardening and was an avid reader. In addition to her many activities, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her seven grandchildren and traveling with Bill. Throughout their retirement they toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Linda Wells, and her brother-in-law Jim Wells. She is survived by her husband Bill of 58 years, her son Scott Schanzenbach (Lori Halenar), Karen Carter (Ray), Stacey Gibbons (Bill) and grandchildren Emma and Erich Schanzenbach; Dillon and Alessandra Carter; Casey, Erin, and Madeline Gibbons, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Joyce was a life-long Lutheran and most recently a member at Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joyce’s name to Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162.
