Tonelli

Joyce Tonelli, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, at Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler.

Joyce was, quite simply, the heart of her family. She was born in Grove City on Jan. 30, 1950, to Camillus L. Ross and Margaret Virginia Grossman Ross.

Her life was centered around her faith, her family and the people she loved. God always came first and family was never far behind. Of all the roles she held in her life, being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. Her 11 grandchildren were her pride and joy and she was their biggest cheerleader. Whether she was sitting in the stands watching a game, attending an activity, celebrating an accomplishment or simply spending time with them, Joyce was always there. She never wanted to miss a moment.

Joyce shared a lifelong love story with her high school sweetheart, Ed Tonelli. They were married on Dec. 22, 1972, and together built a life filled with love, faith, family, laughter and traditions. They were blessed with three children and 11 grandchildren, who became the center of Joyce's world.

Joyce was a retired physical education teacher from the Slippery Rock Area School District. She loved working with children and encouraging them to be active, confident and involved. Her caring nature extended far beyond the classroom and the impact she had on those she taught will remain a part of her legacy.

Her faith was an important part of who she was. Joyce was an active member of St. Anthony's Church choir, where she shared her love of music and her devotion to her faith with her church family.

Joyce was full of life and had a genuine curiosity about the world around her. She loved to travel, see new places, learn new things and experience new adventures. She enjoyed crocheting, drawing, swimming and playing just about any card game or board game she could find. She loved a little friendly competition and, most importantly, loved having people around her.

She was the keeper of family traditions and took great pride in bringing everyone together. She made pizzelle and canned vegetables, hosted Christmas and Easter and welcomed her family around her table for Sunday dinners. Her home was a gathering place and there was always room for one more. The meals, the celebrations, the games, the laughter and the traditions she created were her way of showing the people she loved just how much they meant to her.

She lived her life with enthusiasm and an appreciation for the little things. She loved being surrounded by her family, cheering on her grandchildren, gathering everyone around the table, traveling to somewhere new, learning something she didn't know before and making memories that would last a lifetime.

Joyce's family will remember her not only for all that she did, but for how she made them feel. Loved. Welcomed. Supported. Encouraged. And always, always important.

Her grandchildren will carry with them the memory of the woman who was in their corner every step of the way. Her children will carry the traditions she worked so hard to preserve. Her husband will carry the memories of the girl he fell in love with and the life they built together. And everyone who knew Joyce will carry a piece of her kindness, generosity, faith and love with them.

Though there will forever be an empty chair at the family table, Joyce's love will continue to fill that room. Her traditions will be carried on. Her recipes will be made. Her stories will be told. Her grandchildren will continue to hear her voice cheering them on. And her family will continue to gather, just as she taught them to do.

Joyce loved God. She loved Ed. She loved her children and grandchildren with every part of her heart. She loved her family, her friends and she loved life.

And she made the world a warmer, happier, more loving place simply by being in it.

Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so completely — and the love she gave them that will live on forever.

Survivors include husband, Ed, at home; daughter, Nichole J. (Matthew) Kovacik; sons, Joseph E. (Kristy) and Benjamin A. (Shanna) Tonelli; and sister, Debra L. (Daniel) Shearer, all of Slippery Rock; brother, W. James (Pamela) Ross, of Florida; 11 grandchildren, Cole, Max, Gia, Ty, Zakary, Rocco, Israel, Hunter, Peyton, Cam and Lana; and one great-granddaughter, Esme.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Steven and Kenneth Ross.

TONELLI — The family of Joyce Tonelli, who died Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial for Joyce at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 232 Boyers Road, Harrisville.

Interment will be in St. Anthony Cemetery, Harrisville.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.