Susan ‘Joy’ Van Keuren (nee Guschwan), age 65, passed away October 5, 2021, at the scene of a fatal car crash. Husband Roy A. Van Keuren passed away Oct. 9, 2021 from injuries sustained in the same car crash.
She is survived by her children, Katherine Van Keuren, 28, and Theresa Van Keuren, 25; siblings George (Anne) Guschwan, Mary McBarron, and Betty (Joe) Pitstick. She was preceded in death by siblings Andy (Barb) Guschwan, Annemarie (Leonard) Gehring, Frances (Leonard) Simecek, and Jean (Richard) Patterson.
Joy was a talented lover of the arts who was involved in community and educational theatre where she nurtured countless unforgettable bonds. She brought numerous sets to life, performed in shows at the University of Dayton and a few community theatres in Lorain County, and taught all aspects of technical theatre to the youth. All that Joy committed to she did with her whole heart. She was deeply rooted in her faith and above all else treasured spending time with her family. Joy’s ability to give unto others was just one example of her endless love and generosity. She ends this Act of Life with her final bow.
VISITATION, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2-8 PM AT THE ZABOR FUNERAL HOME, 5680 PEARL ROAD, PARMA (BETWEEN RIDGE AND SNOW ROADS). PLEASE MEET THE FAMILY AT CHURCH FOR THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 12 NOON, ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH, 5891 RIDGE ROAD, PARMA. INTERMENT, HOLY CROSS CEMETERY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity or non-profit of your choice. To offer condolences please visit www.ZaborFH.com
Messages of Condolence
You really were a Joy , such fun to be around. You will surely be missed by all who loved you.
Dear Katie and Theresa,
I was very saddened to here of the loss of both your parents. I will always remember sharing car pool tasks between our families back and forth to the Oberlin Choristers practices. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. I know that Katie is friends with Erin and you can just let her know.
May the peace of God be with you during this difficult time.
Mr. Keyse
Your Lourdes Academy family will remember you at our next Mass. I remember you from the Lourdes Centennial.
Dear Reese: I am so sorry to hear of your heartbreaking loss. Please know I am thinking of you and your family and sending love. In honor of your parents, I made a donation to Doctors Without Borders.
Mine and my families deepest sympathies. i had the pleasure of meeting Joy at Rehman Rec where we were randomly teamed up to be bowling partners. what a wonderful lady. i am sorry to think i won’t be able to ask her how she’s been and have our talks about things going on in our life’s. She is so easy to talk to and an absolute joy to be aroun. God bless you all thru this difficult time’
Mine and my families deepest sympathies. i had the pleasure of meeting Joy at Rehman Rec where we were randomly teamed up to be bowling partners. what a wonderful lady. i am sorry to think i won’t be able to ask her how she’s been and have our talks about things going on in our life’s. She is so easy to talk to and an absolute joy to be around. God bless you all thru this difficult time’
Honoring Joy, this tribute was shared on the NAJAC Facebook page on behalf of Al Vacanti, Pam Wood Mats, TJ Jones, Charlie White (RIP), and myself. “Fellow NAJACers, friends, and colleagues: we all know that life is precious and it can be gone in an instant because tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Sadly, when we convene at our next NAJAC Staff Reunion, we will have another name to add during our remembrance at the NAJAC Tree at IU, that of our dear friend, Joy Guschwan Van Keuren. In the early days of the NAJAC Talent Show Joy became a valued member of the Talent Staff and thus became a friend, a JA advocate, and an advocate for the arts. To honor Joy, today on behalf of the NAJAC Talent Staff – Jack Lunsford, Al Vacanti, Pam Wood Mats, TJ Jones, and our mentor, Charlie White (RIP), et al – The Lunsford Group proudly made a $300 donation in Joy’s memory to the Hugh B “Jim” Sweeney Scholarship Fund. May Joy’s memory forever be a blessing to one and all and give each of us comfort.” Joy, we will all certainly miss you at our next NAC Staff Reunion.
I am so sorry for your loss, for our loss. Joy was a faithful and enthusiastic bowling student, working hard to develop her skills on the lanes. She brightened the day of everyone she encountered. I always enjoyed the conversations we had during our lessons, and I miss her greatly. I pray for the repose of her soul, and of Roy’s, and for strength for the family.
So saddened to hear this news. I knew Joy from the National Junior Achievement Conference as a participant from the Chicago area. She was always willing to lend an ear or help out in any way to help make the conference experience a great one for the high school students who attended. My family and I extend our sincere condolences to the family for the loss of both Joy and Roy. God bless them and all the family.
I was fortunate enough to attend grade school with Susan, and was very happy that she attended our reunion in august. We had a wonderful conversation, reminiscing about our school days.
May they both rest in peace
My friendship with Joy was one of my fondest memories of being at the University of Dayton. We spent many hours together talking about life and love. While we didn’t stay in touch after graduation, I would still check in once in a while. It was with great sadness when I saw her name in the UD magazine in memoriam this spring and read about her and Roy’s accident. Joy will always be in my heart.