Joyce M. Bednarowski, age 94, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday night, October 19, 2026, at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.

Joyce was born on November 26, 1931, in New London, in the family home, to the late Helen (Craig) Eastman.

If you knew Joyce, you knew how she felt about things. She was never shy about letting you know what she was thinking, and she certainly didn’t hold back. That honesty—and the personality that came along with it—was simply Joyce, and it will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Joyce often said she was “too ornery to die,” and her family believed her. But, in the end, time finally caught up with her.

Joyce worked at several places throughout the years, including as a waitress at Rudy’s in Neenah, the Hungry Bull, and Bubba’s. But of all the jobs she had, her favorite was working in the bakery department at SuperValu, where she especially enjoyed making donuts.

Joyce liked to stay busy and, most of all, she liked to go. She called it “bumming”—just getting out of the house and going somewhere. The destination really didn’t matter; sometimes the best part was simply being out and about. She enjoyed going out to eat, trips to the casino, scratch-off tickets, bingo, bowling, darts, and crocheting. She also loved reminiscing about old times and sharing those memories with others.

Above all, Joyce treasured time with her family. She especially adored her grandson Logan, whom she loved dearly. Waiting for Logan to come home each day became one of those simple, special parts of her life that meant so much to her.

Joyce is survived by her children and spouses: Dave (Christa) Bednarowski, John Bednarowski, Ann (Gary) Wade, Dan (Martha) Bednarowski, Kim Bednarowski (special friend, Chris), and Doug (Amy) Peterson; grandchildren: Steve (Denise), Renee, Tammy, Amy, Leah, Katie, Chris, Ryan (Mackenzie), Ashley (Meredith), Heather (Brad), Derek (Amanda), Gretchen (John), Julia, Rachel (Gavin), Alex, Aaron, Wyatt, and Logan; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys “Mickey”; granddogs Harley, Remington, and Panda; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her children and spouses: Michael Peterson, James Bednarowski, Joan (Bill) Gartzke, Joe (Linda) Bednarowski, and an infant son, Peter; grandchildren: Tim, Alex, Lisa, and Laura.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Pielhop Funeral Home, 215 S. Main St. in Brillion. Officiating will be Rev. Joe Weiers.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday morning at the Brillion Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.pielhop.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gold Cross EMS, the Gold Cross Supervisor, the Appleton Fire Department, and the Ascension St. Elizabeth Emergency Department for the care, kindness, and compassion shown to Joyce and the entire family.