Obituary of Joyce A. Gruszka

Joyce A. Gruszka, age 83 of Thornton, PA, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at Chester County Hospital.  Born in Harrisburg, PA, Joyce was a resident of Thornton, PA for over 50 years, previously residing in Aston, PA. 

Joyce received her Degree as a Registered Nurse in her younger years from Temple University, where she met her beloved Bob. In addition to several jobs, she eventually was involved in her husband’s dental practice, where she worked for many years.  Joyce was devoted to her Catholic faith and a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. She belonged to the St. Thomas the Apostle Women's Club and was active during her children's school years, serving as the Home and School president. In addition, Joyce sang in the choir at both St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Cornelius. Her passion, however, was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Fred and Irene (Wenrich) Stauffer, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert W. Gruszka, who died in 2003, an infant son, Robert Joseph, and a granddaughter, Brooke Elizabeth Dewees. 

Joyce is survived by her 8 children, Christopher (Cheryl) Gruszka, Cynthia (Anthony) Kuklinski, Dr. Laurene (Matthew) Grabill, Tracy (Christopher) Kimball, Stephen (Holly) Gruszka, Karen (Ronald) Dewees, Roberta (Jonathan) Forwood, and Joseph (Amy) Gruszka, a brother, David Stauffer, 17 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 25th at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Rd., Glen Mills, PA, from 9:00-10:45 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment, St. Thomas the Apostle Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce's memory may be made to Remembering Mom-Mom.

The Funeral Mass will be live streamed beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. Please Click Here to view. 

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com