Joyce Molinar

In Loving Memory of Joyce A. Molinar September 19, 1954 – June 11, 2025

Joyce A. Molinar lived a life built on strength, tenacity, grit and love. On June 11, 2025, surrounded by family, Joyce reunited with her first love and the father of her four girls in heaven, Jose Antonio Molinar. Now together, Joyce and Jose leave behind a beautiful family to carry on their legacy for years to come.

Joyce was born in Seattle, Washington. Home was many places as a young child; as the daughter of a US Army veteran, she would occasionally refer to herself as a “military brat”. Eventually home became the southside of Chicago and then Oak Forest, Illinois. One fateful evening as a young teenager, Joyce filled in on a blind date after her cousin became sick. She met Jose that night and they did not part ways until his passing in August of 2012.

Joyce had a commanding presence. She was a pistol, a woman ahead of her time. Today she might be labeled a feminist, but if you asked her, she would just tell you she was a strong, smart woman that could handle “shit” on her own. She always had a plan and anything that got in her way was sure to meet its demise.

Joyce had many jobs throughout her life, but her greatest work was the life she built with and for her family. Brick by brick, bootstraps in hand with grace, determination and resilience. Joyce, together with Jose, raised four fiercely independent daughters Maria Louisa, Tina Marie, Linda Ann and Antonieta Sandra (Joyce’s favorite). Each daughter their own unique reflection of her strength, wit and unwavering love for family. Joyce also had seven adoring grandchildren and was lovingly named “Mema” by her first grandson, Lukas Jose. A crew of grandchildren then followed: Jaxsen Antonio, Sofia Marie, Dylan Jose, Maci Ryan, Benjamin Antonio and Waylon Brian. When it came to her grandchildren, she had a mischievous, playful side. She loved to “junk it up” with the kids and really got a kick out of helping them sneak home extra treats behind her daughters’ backs. Mema was a true goof ball and always let loose with her grandkids. Whether it was the tortilla challenge, twerking in the kitchen or teaching them how to tell someone off, her silliness and loving spirit created an unbreakable bond with her grandchildren.

After Jose’s passing, a new chapter began when Joyce found comfort and companionship in Sal Gutierrez. Sal and Joyce created something new and enduring together and married in 2019. Sal adored Joyce for her intelligence and feisty spirit. She always had a list of projects for him to do around the house. Sal happily completed all Joyce’s projects and even re-did them when she changed her mind just as soon as he was finishing up! They enjoyed many road trips and made beautiful memories exploring the US together. Sal cared for Joyce with love and adoration in her final days, only for Joyce to question if he was doing things “right”. That was Joyce and that was Sal’s love for Joyce, unconditional and unwavering. Always laughing together.

Joyce was not one for tears or dwelling in tough times, she felt everything deeply, but held it close and persevered through all the ups and downs that come with a good, full life. Her humor was sharp and her love for her family and those around her was profound. She was and remains unforgettable. A warrior in heels and lipstick, a loving mother, wife and Mema, an unstoppable woman. She moved through life with her chin up and her heart open, even if guarded, and in doing so, left behind a world that is better because she was in it.

We’ll never forget your lessons, your laughter and your fierce love, Mom. Until we meet again. 

Services will be held in private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lightways Hospice. Lightways provided Joyce and her family with support, care and love in her final days. They will continue to provide care and support to her family as they grieve this tremendous loss. Many families do not have insurance or the financial means for this important type of end-of-life care and support. Any donation is a meaningful tribute to Joyce.