Joyce A. Welling

Joyce Welling, 61, of Swanton Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2012 in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Robert and Helen Heckler, February 4, 1950, in Toledo, OH. Joyce graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1968 and went on to study fine art and Native American studies at Bowling Green State University; it was at BGSU where she discovered her life-long passion as an artist of hot glass, mosaics, and jewelry. She lived the last decade of her life with her dedicated partner John Pioterek. Together they created an adventurous life in the beautiful Oak Openings region, gardening, enjoying the natural world, cooking, and enjoying the company of their pets. Joyce was a small business owner and real-estate agent. She owned Fitzpatrick Tavern, Star Graphics Inc., and Mother Hubbards Kitchen Cubbard. She was an active volunteer for the Wood County Genealogical Society, Black Swamp Blues Society, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and charities that supported the Old South End community of Toledo. Joyces life taught us many things. She lived her life based on the simple values of appreciating and nurturing the natural world, artistic expression, understanding cultural history, and being a socially responsible business owner. She will long be remembered for her insatiable curiosity, fondness for learning, and her creative, fun-loving spirit. Joyce is survived by her son Cody Welling of Bloomington, Illinois, daughter Nicole Welling of Austin, Texas, sister Nancy Sloan of Perrysburg, Ohio, niece Phoebe Sloan, nephew Nate Sloan, great niece and great nephew Zoe and Owen Sloan, and loving partner John Pioterek. Friends and family may call at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee on Monday January 30, 2012 from 3:00 pm until the time of services at 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Wood County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com