Emily “Joyce” Luzier
Emily “Joyce” Luzier, 91, formerly of Philipsburg, died Monday, September 23, 2024, at Friendship Village of South Hills, Upper St. Clair, PA.
Joyce was born on September 9, 1933, in Philipsburg, PA, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Izetta (Benner) Harris.
Joyce was a 1951 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School. She would further her education later in life when she returned to school and graduated in 1992 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Human Services from the Westmoreland County Community College.
On October 15, 1955, Joyce married Donald R. “Don” Luzier, who preceded her in death on June 2, 2020.
Joyce held a number of secretarial jobs early in her working career. However, she was employed for most of her career as a lab technician with UPMC Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, until her retirement.
Joyce and Don relocated back to Philipsburg during their retirement, and she became very involved with her Philipsburg community. Joyce was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Philipsburg Kiwanis, the former Philipsburg Hospital Auxiliary, the Philipsburg American Legion Auxiliary, and the Philipsburg Revitalization Committee.
An exceptionally talented artist, Joyce donated numerous oil paintings that were auctioned to benefit the Philipsburg Main Street Project. Joyce also loved photography and would often submit photos to the local newspapers for publication. In addition, Joyce loved singing. She was a member of the “Sweet Adelines” in North Huntingdon, PA, while she lived in the Pittsburgh area; and the “Valley Voices” and her church choir when she moved back to Philipsburg.
In 2006, Joyce was recognized for her dedication to the Philipsburg community when she was awarded a PA Townie Award for Volunteer of the Year.
An always kind, giving, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joyce is survived by her daughter, Pamela Minjock and her husband, Mike, of Venetia, PA; four grandchildren: Jamie Delorie (and her husband, TJ), Jennifer Voelker, Mike Minjock (and his fiancée, Maddy Beck) and Mark Minjock; four great-grandchildren: Jocelyn, Ella, Grayson and Whitney, who loved and spent much time with their Great-Grammy Joyce, bringing her so much joy; and numerous other extended family members.
Joyce was preceded in death by two daughters, Susan Fields and Karen Luzier; a sister, Helen Matson; and a brother, William Harris, in addition to her parents and husband, Don.
A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.beezerheathfh.com.
