Obituary: Dvorak, Joyce (Collins)
Joyce loved to gamble but couldn’t beat the odds given her when diagnosed with cancer five years ago.
She was an avid Gonzaga Bulldogs fan and used their 2013 NCAA Tournament run to get her through a cold winter and spring.
Her love for Wilbert and her children carried her the rest of the way.
Joyce was born in Alma, CO on Jan. 16, 1936.
Her family moved to Deer Park in 1943.
She married Wilbert “Willie” after graduating from high school and began the hard work of raising five children and helping to run Willie’s Custom Tile from 1974 to 2008.
She also turned her love of antique collecting into a successful business along with her four sisters.
Today, friends and family are remembering her fun spirit, compassionate heart, and beautiful smile.
Joyce leaves behind her loving husband of 59 years Wilbert Dvorak, daughter Cynthia Brophy (John), sons Jeffrey, Kyle and Lance Dvorak; daughter-in-law, Johnna Dvorak; sisters Barbara Shaw and Leah Ratliff, brother Ed Collins; and Taz and Annie, her faithful dogs.
There are many grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she loved so much.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Earnie and Dorothy Collins; son Gregory Dvorak; sisters Patricia Williams and Carol Engle, and brother Don Collins.
An Open House celebrating Joyce’s life will be held August 2 at the Spokane RV Resort Club House, 1205 North Country Club Drive, Deer Park, WA beginning at 3:00 pm.
Pot luck dinner served 5-7 pm.
Everyone wanting to share some food, stories and laughs are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s name to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Spokane.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Evergreen Hematology and Oncology and Hospice of Spokane for their kindness and care for Joyce.