Joyce Gagnon
Joyce Gagnon, age 83, of Burton, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Geneva, Pa., on Nov. 13, 1942, to the late William and Leona (nee Hart) Irwin.
During her career, Joyce worked at Stock Equipment Co. as an electronic assembler. While working and raising her two children, she attended college to obtain her art therapy degree. She completed a Children’s Awareness Training course in 1992. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994 and her Master of Arts in Art Therapy in 1998.
Joyce volunteered at Montefiore Nursing Home, conducting art therapy sessions with Alzheimer’s patients. She was also a member of the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. Upon receiving her master’s degree, she began working as an art therapist at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center until her retirement.
Joyce was also an awarded artist. She was a painter using different mediums, a sculptor, a silk painter, etc.
Joyce loved being around her family at gatherings and loved crafting with her seven great-grandchildren. She belonged to many groups and loved attending meetings and taking trips with those groups. She enjoyed picnics, nature and attending theatrical plays. She could be seen, weather permitting, religiously walking her toy fox terrier, Rembrandt, around Burton Square.
Joyce will be greatly missed by her loving daughter, Tina (Bob) Zeleznikar; her son, Pierre Gagnon; grandchildren, Adam (Alexis) Zeleznikar, Sarah (Brian) Schatz, Aaron (Cassidy) Zeleznikar, Pierre Gagnon Jr. and Tyler Gagnon; great-grandchildren, Harper Zeleznikar, Zoey Schatz, Lilliana Schatz, Isabel Schatz, Cadence Zeleznikar, Cashton Zeleznikar and Callea Zeleznikar; and her nieces and nephew and their children. Friend of Lois Ann.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Ann Peterson; and brother, William Kenneth Irwin Jr.
Family and friends will gather at Burton Congregational Church, 14588 West Park St., Burton, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, beginning at 11:30 a.m., with services immediately following at 1 p.m. A luncheon at the church will be provided immediately following the services.
Joyce’s loved color, so colorful clothing is encouraged.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, Ohio, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.
