Joyce Mamola of Tulsa, age 75, passed away at home the weekend of April 9th.  She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Jean Mattaliano and big brother Carl Mattaliano.  Joyce is survived by her son, Frank Mitchell Mamola and his wife, Teri Bowers Mamola and grandchildren, Chloe and Grayson of Tulsa.

Joyce was born April 24, 1940 in Passaic, NJ to James and Jean, first and second-generation Italian immigrants. Joyce celebrated her Italian heritage through her faith, family and food.  Joyce cooked, cared and prayed for countless relatives and friends through her lifetime and travels from the east to the west coast.

Joyce's greatest pride and joy was her son, Frank. After separating from Frank's father and remarrying, the young family made a bold move by accepting a job transfer from New Jersey to southern California. Joyce enjoyed entertaining and hosted many gatherings.  She always had an open door for Frank's friends, especially when there was sauce simmering on the stove.

As Frank graduated and began working in Texas, Joyce loved the adventure of traveling to each of his career stops including Tulsa. Joyce celebrated Frank's marriage to Teri with unmatched enthusiasm and generosity.  Shortly after the arrival of her first grandchild, Joyce relocated to Tulsa where she became "Nana" to Chloe, then Grayson and all of their friends.  Joyce's pride in Frank, Teri, Chloe and Grayson was obvious, but the depth of that pride was only truly revealed after her passing.  Joyce kept every newspaper clipping, school program and picture.

While Joyce had boundless love for family and friends, her passion for animals cannot be overlooked. She doted on several cats and dogs through her lifetime, including her most recent loyal companion, Casey.  He left her shadow one year ago, but they are surely reunited in the light.

Funeral service is 12:30 p.m., Friday, April 22 at the Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 South Boulder Avenue, in Tulsa.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151.