Demetra Joyce

Demetra Joyce, nee Lattos, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the age of 79. Beloved Wife of the late Emmett Michael Joyce. Devoted Mother of Jayme Joyce and Michael (Emily) Joyce. Loving Daughter of the late Diamandes and the late Helen Lattos. Dear Sister of Georgia Baumruck, Katherine Lattos and the late Elizabeth (the late Bill) McDonald. Dear Aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Demetra spent her early years growing up on the west side of Chicago, with many formative moments spent in her parents’ restaurant, The New Deal, located at the corner of Lake Street and Hamlin Avenue. In her youth she was surrounded by the large Greek family of her mother’s relatives attending many family gatherings and the Greek Orthodox Church. As she grew older, her family moved to Berwyn, Illinois, where she began helping her parents at their restaurant and later worked as a waitress at various establishments.

In high school and junior college, theater played a significant role in her life, providing a space where she formed deep connections and lasting friendships. Demetra took on many roles in theater, including stage manager, director, and actress. She was eventually recognized for her extreme dedication with the All School Theater Award in her senior year, an honor she was not expecting. Education was important to her, and throughout her life, she maintained a passion for learning and reading as she worked to put herself through college, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University and began her Masters degree in Psychology at IIT. She was a wonderful listener and although she often served in the role as therapist for her family and friends, she never practiced professionally.

Her work as a waitress brought her into contact with a wide variety of people, allowing her to appreciate the vastness and wonder of the world. This experience fed her curiosity about the world and its workings. Her reading and exploring introduced her to diverse philosophies, and she developed a keen interest in astrology. Astrology became a way for her to meditate on and better understand people and society. She soon began creating charts and readings by hand for the patrons of the saloon she ran with her husband. In the 1970s, she taught astrology classes,  ran an astrology journal, and even road-tripped to California for an Astrology conference.

When her parents became ill later in life, Demetra took on the role of caretaker, tending to them with compassion. This nurturing spirit carried over to her role as a mother, as she dedicated herself to raising her children and supporting them through their challenges. She lived by a philosophy of helping others without expecting anything in return. Her sincerity and warmth were felt by all who knew her, and she was often seen as someone to turn to in times of need.

Demetra was a devoted and loving mother who expressed her affection in countless meaningful ways. Her passion for crafts and cooking not only brought her personal joy but also served as a way to strengthen family bonds. She took great delight in rediscovering Greek cooking, exploring recipes and techniques that her parents had not passed down, and sharing these traditions (and new traditions of her own) with her children. Beyond the kitchen, she encouraged creativity by taking her children to crafting events, fostering their sense of wonder and self-reliance. She also embraced a spirit of “DIY,” teaching her children the value of creating things from scratch. Her dedication extended to her role as a Den Mother for Brownies and Cub Scouts, where she inspired not only her own children but also others in the community.

Demetra was known for her strong sense of right and wrong, serving as a moral compass for those around her. Whether volunteering as a literacy tutor, working as a Democratic Precinct Captain, engaging in community issues, or simply helping friends and family, her unique combination of altruism and action left a lasting impact. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends are to gather for the Visitation on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. At Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162 (Located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). A Chapel Service of Christian Burial will be celebrated promptly at 11:00 A.M. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside, IL. For additional info. Call (708) 449-5300.

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