Joyce Keiper Hamaker

Joyce Keiper Hamaker, loving mother, grandmother and long-time Bath resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters on April 23, 2021.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Keiper, of Lancaster, PA. She is survived by her three daughters, Jill Hamaker, Amy (Greg) Fairhurst, and Sara (Javier) Jurado and her beloved grandchildren, Sophia, Greyson, Annabelle, Charlotte, Lucas, Ian and Oliver. Joyce is also survived by her brother, Bruce Keiper.

Born on February 20, 1948, Joyce spent her youth in Lancaster, PA, before graduating from Hood College in 1970, with a degree in Economics. For over 20 years, she managed Ken Stewart’s Grille, transitioning to Event & Party Planner, before retiring to spend more time with her family. Her seven grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grammy”, were her greatest joy.

Joyce was a tireless volunteer, as evidenced by her 34 years of service on the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital, where she had a particular fondness for The Garden of Hope and Healing, the Bridgestone Invitational and the Charity Ball. Further philanthropy included membership to The Junior League and volunteering at every school her daughters attended. She was a recipient of The Alice Wilson Volunteer of the Year award at Old Trail School. In her spare time, Joyce was an avid tennis player and marathoner, with completion of the Boston Marathon being among her proudest athletic achievements.

Joyce’s family will welcome callers on Tuesday, April 27th from 11am to 1pm at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. A private, family service will follow at Moore’s Chapel at Bath Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s name to The Garden of Hope and Healing at Akron Children’s Hospital, where her love abounds.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.