Associate Joyce Mach March 12, 1937 – December 23, 2022, Accepted May 8, 2015
Associate and former BVM Joyce Mach died Dec. 23, 2022, in Leesburg, Fla. She was born on March 12, 1937, in Chicago to Otto and Clara Mach.
Joyce came to know the BVMs as a student at St. Mary High School in Chicago. “By the second and third year, I knew that BVMs would always be a part of my life,” she said. She made her commitment as a BVM associate on July 19, 2015, in the Mount Carmel Motherhouse Chapel. She was accompanied in her discernment process by BVMs Joyce Rohlik, Ann DeNicolo, Colleen McGinnity, and Associate Christine Middendorf.
Colleen wrote in her recommendation letter that “the core value of education is the thread of Joyce’s life. Education is her deep love and people—little and big—are her passion. She will continue working with young children and being involved in parish life as long as she can.”
She is survived by her sister-in-law: Marian Mach of Leesburg, Fla; a niece, Carol Nanfria and her husband Jerry of Leesburg, Fla; a nephew, Paul Mach and his wife Denise of Leesburg, Fla; a grand-niece and nephew, Maggie and Joe.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Leesburg, Fla., at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to:
Marian C Mach
25706 Crestwater Drive
Leesburg, FL 34748
Joyce helped me as a catechist at Saint Pauls Parish in Leesburg when I first arrived in Leesburg to take over my responsibilities as the faith formation, Director. Joyce and I became good friends and we had many stories to share since I am a sister of the Living Word from the Chicago area. We had many things in common, including love for travel, love for our communities, love for teaching and faith formation as Joyce had once also been a DRE. Joyce was a wonderful model, of a faith filled woman. She will be missed by many of us who call her friend!
Sister Ruth Platte