Joyce Eugenia Guzas Yezdauski, 94, of Zapata, Texas, died peacefully June 22, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born June 28, 1918, in Chicago, Ill., to Joseph and Anna Guzas, who preceded her in death. On Nov. 22, 1941, in Springfield, Ill., she married Tony Yezdauski, who preceded her in death March 30, 1985. She was a graduate of St. Casimir Academy, Chicago, a Lithuanian girls high school where she participated in soccer and basketball and played the viola in the orchestra. A resident of Springfield, Ill., for many years she was employed by Sangamo Electric Company in that city. Upon retiring in 1975, she and her husband relocated to Zapata where she was an active volunteer with the Zapata Chamber of Commerce and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the ladies auxiliary. For many years she also served as an active member of the Lithuanians in Texas as well as the Falcon Lake Estates. Joyce loved her family and as a war bride she and her husband Tony were rarely apart once the war ended and he returned from active duty. Even after more than 40 years of marriage, he still referred to her as his “bride.” She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed the whimsy of things like plastic pink flamingoes. Joyce loved sweets and when her health and appetite began to fail, she still always managed to finish dessert. She was always especially fond of a good cocktail, with a special penchant for a well-concocted Manhattan. The San Antonio Spurs were her favorite team, often referring to them as “her boys.” Both she and her husband Tony were excellent dancers, having courted in Chicago during the era of the big bands. Over the years, they belonged to various dance clubs where they had met lifelong friends. The Catholic religion also had a very important role in Joyce’s life and she had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. Surviving are two daughters, Marilynn Doherty, Warsaw, and Madalyn Yezdauski, San Antonio; three grandchildren, Eric Doherty and Melissa Berner, both of St. Louis, Mo., and Allison (and spouse Jason) McSherry, Burket; and 11 great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her wonderful caregiver, Zoila Tapia, and two nieces. She was preceded in death by a sister, Anastasia Guzas Aushra; a son-in-law, Edgar “Butch” Doherty; and a niece. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial will be in Zapata County Cemetery. Calling is one hour prior to the service at the church.
