Joyce A. (Dubyak) Barolak

Joyce Barolak 87, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 with her family by her side. 

She was born Joyce Ann Dubyak on July 12, 1937 in Youngstown, Ohio to Ann and Michael Dubyak. 

Early years for Joyce involved music and accordion lessons. She was a talented musician playing piano and organ. As a young teen she worked in her fathers’ variety stores; a fond stint she had was working as a car hop at a drive-in restaurant. 

In 1954 Joyce eloped with her love, Joseph T. Barolak, to Lawrenceburg, IN. A year later Jeffrey was born, followed by Joey and Judy. 

During the early years of marriage and children, their home was always busy. Joyce and Joe enjoyed entertaining, music and cards. Impromptu musical jams or card games would ensue over many pots of coffee. 

At the age of 33, with kids still in school, Joyce went back to school herself. She obtained her LPN license. 

Joyce got a job at Planned Parenthood which was life changing. Her exposure to and interest in women’s equality and reproductive rights was immediate and veracious. In her decades long career she was an activist, Ohio politician, feminist, ob/gyn nurse, state and local leader with NOW (National Organization for Women). And it was these connections, relationships, and women who would be her support system and mentors when tragedy struck twice. In the late seventies, at 39 Joyce was widowed. A year later, her son Joey, who was just 19 at the time, was killed. She never truly recovered. 

Easing into her 50’s Joyce left Ohio for Boston to be closer to her family. She was most proud to be an influence in the raising of her (feminist) grandsons from newborns to adulthood. 

Joyce became ingrained in the Reading fabric; most familiar was The Corner Closet consignment shop and the sisters, The Hot Spot with Ace, the RCTV free coffee and eventually the Pleasant Street Center and Neighbors helping Neighbors with fellow UU’s. 

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading was her spiritual home. Fond memories were made attending services as a family with Rev. Tim, Attic Treasures at the Kris Kringle Fair, The Musical/Choir Holiday concerts, after service lunches at the 99, Liberal Ladies meetings with Ruth, and of course, beloved Chalice Circles. And when Joyce could no longer partake, Molly kept her connected with love and attention. 

Joyce is survived by her son, Jeffrey; daughter, Judy and husband Scott Kajander; her grandsons, Jay and Joe Kajander and fiancé Monique - who all helped care for and loved her. She leaves her sister and support, Michele and caring brother Michael and wife Denise. She leaves her adored nieces in Ohio from the Barolak family, her Dubyak family with whom she loved spending many family reunions at the Outer Banks, and the Kajander family and many decades of memorable Thanksgivings. Her sister, Rita preceded her in death. 

The family extends much gratitude to Brenda, Angela and Mary. For 6 months of Hospice, these women cared for Joyce with love, dignity, and respect. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce’s memory to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn Street, Reading, MA 01867.

An Open House to celebrate Joyce’s life is planned on October 13th from 2-6pm at the home of Judy and Scott.