Joyce

Dirckx

In Loving Memory of Joyce Ann (Larkin) Dirckx October 1, 1939 – October 24, 2026 

Joyce Ann (Larkin) Dirckx, age 87, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. Born on October 1, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, Joyce was the daughter of the late Francis Eugene Larkin and Sarah “Sally” See. She attended St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1960. Throughout her life, Joyce was exceptionally proud of her career as a surgical nurse and loved sharing stories from her days in the operating room. It was also at St. Elizabeth Hospital that she met the love of her life, John, who was working as an orderly on his path to becoming a physician. The two shared a profound bond and built a beautiful life together over 63 years of marriage. While she took immense pride in her nursing background, Joyce’s true calling and greatest devotion was her family. She spent the heart of her life as a dedicated homemaker, creating a warm, welcoming home filled with comfort, encouragement, and love. Sweet, gentle, and endlessly nurturing, she poured her energy into caring for her husband and daughters. She was always ready to volunteer in classrooms, help with school events, and support her children in every endeavor. Joyce found quiet joy in creative pursuits, especially collecting yarn and crocheting. Her handmade pieces, crafted with care and patience, were treasured gifts to those she loved. Above all, she was defined by her warmth, her quiet grace, and an unwavering devotion to those she held dear. Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Dr. John Henry Dirckx; her five beloved daughters, Anne Dirckx DiMuccio (Ernie), Patricia Dirckx Hemler (Alan), Janet Dirckx Schieman (John), Jill Dirckx Gaccetta (Andre), and Julie Dirckx Drury (Jason); her brothers, Richard Larkin (Ruth) and Reginald Larkin; her sister, Judith Huebner; her ten cherished grandchildren, Anthony DiMuccio (Tara), Alexandra DiMuccio (Alexander), Dominic DiMuccio (Keelin), Gabriella DiMuccio (Cameron), Samuel Hemler (Emilee), Sarah Hemler (Daniel), Aaron Hemler (Morgan), Sophia Gaccetta, Grace Gaccetta, and Ava Gaccetta; her eight adored great-grandchildren, Veronica, Enzo, Gio, and Coletta DiMuccio, Ayla and Conall Hemler, and Hazel and Lucy Dupuy; and her nieces, Janelle Huebner and Kathryn Huebner. She was preceded in death by her infant sisters, Jacquelyn and Joslyn, and her nephew, Richard "Tiger" Larkin. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM at Emmanuel Catholic Church (149 Franklin St, Dayton, OH 45402). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at the church. Immediately following the Mass, a procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery for the burial service.