Racine – Joyce Ann Firchow, 61, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008 following a brief, but courageous fight against cancer. She was born in Racine on February 11, 1947, daughter of the late James “Bud” and Mary Ann (nee: Judicki) Petersen. On December 27, 1969 she was married to Thomas Firchow in St. Casimir Catholic Church.
Joyce’s career in education included 14 years teaching the 5th grade within the Racine Unified School District and 10 years as an ESL teacher at The Prairie School. Her hobbies included needle point, counted cross stitch, and latch hooking. Many of her craft projects were given as gifts. Joyce also enjoyed decorating her house inside and out, creating memorable meals, baking cookies, reading, and attending theater and musical events. She took great pride in organizing and hosting family gatherings. Joyce’s greatest love was spending time with her family, and she was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Thomas; their children, Kevin (Sarah) Firchow of Madison and Steven Firchow of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; brothers, Ron (Sherry) Petersen of Escondido, California and Daniel Petersen of Waukesha; brother-in-law, James (Myla) Firchow of Kenosha; nieces and nephews, Chad Petersen, Shelly Petersen, Anna (Kip) Stearns, Emily Petersen, and Joel (Anja) Firchow; as well as other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2008 at St. Mary by the Lake Catholic Church (7605 Lakeshore Drive) with Rev. Steve Stradinger officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:30 a.m. Memorials to St. Mary’s by the Lake Catholic Church have been suggested.
Ann Smith says
Hi,
I worked with Joyce at the Prairie School when she taught ESL. She was one of the first teachers I met when I started there and she made me feel right at home. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept my condolences and sympathy during this difficult time.
Ann Smith
WM>MARK H MURPHY says
DEAR TOM,
JOYCE WAS A GIFT TO PRAIRIE’S CHILDREN. SO MANY OWE THEIR SUCCESS TO HER AND WE ARE SADDENED BY HER PARTING. AS A QUAKER, WE END OUR MEETING FOR FUNERAL WITH:
THERE WAS A TIME THAT JOYCE ANN FIRCHOW..MOTHER, WIFE, MOTHER, FRIEND, SUPERB TEACHER…DID NOT EXIST. SADLY THAT TIME HAS COME AGAIN. WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR HER HAVING BEEN A PART OF OUR LIVES.
Aloy Pien says
May you be covered with the peace that God promised during this time of transition. May you be comforted knowing your friends are praying for you.
Pete and Aloy Pien
Friends of Kevin and Sarah