Joyce Alice Winzler

Joyce Alice (Valsecchi) Winzler, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Joyce was born in Torrington, Connecticut, and was a ‘51 graduate of Torrington High School, where she proudly played first base on the girls’ softball team. Joyce’s first career was as a dental assistant, and she left the position to become a Navy wife after marrying Bob, the true love of her life. They were together for 67 years; Bob passed away in July 2021. After raising her family, Joyce began a late-life career as a food demonstrator. For anyone that has shopped for groceries in the greater Waterbury area, chances are good that she shared with you a bite of pizza, guacamole, cheesesteak, bagel, or a myriad of other items. She truly loved this job, and retired after 27 years. Joyce also loved working alongside Bob at the local election polls each November. She enjoyed seeing everyone in town, and was proud in her role as lead checker. Joyce was an award-winning baker, who, over the years, earned numerous ribbons for her baking skills at local fairs. She was well known for her holiday cookie trays, and her recipes will live on as the next generations continue the tradition.

Joyce’s favorite time of year was spring; she loved seeing her daffodils and hyacinths come up after the long winter. Consider planting some flowers in your own garden this year to experience the same joy.  

Joyce is survived by her two children, Dave Winzler and his wife Robin Lane of Portland, Maine, and Dona Winzler Prindle and her husband Brian of Manchester, Connecticut; her grandchildren Kate Winzler and husband Chuck Taylor of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; Julie Winzler of Rockland, Maine; Calvin Winzler Lane of Essex, Vermont; Dan Prindle and his wife Michelle of Amherst, Massachusetts; Kelly Seifert of Manchester; and Jordan Prindle and fiancé Molly Selleck, both of Manchester; as well as great grandchildren Rhys, Declan and Annika Prindle of Amherst. She loved her granddogs Kona, Skip and Moo.

Joyce was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church in Wolcott.

The family would like to thank the medical staff of Hartford Hospital ICU and Conklin, and the nurses and staff of Manchester Manor. Their expert care and endless kindness for our Mama continues to fill our hearts.

There will be a celebration of Joyce’s life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Waterbury 496 Chase Avenue followed by burial at Edgewood Cemetery in Wolcott. Friends are welcome to visit with Joyce’s family from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Meals on Wheels program.