Joyce K. Kootsouradis – Belle Vernon, formerly of Charleroi

Joyce K. Kootsouradis, 68, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Charleroi, passed away Nov. 5, 2021. She was born Dec. 2, 1952, in Washington, Pa., daughter of James and Norma Peters. Joyce was caring, loving, selfless and devoted – devoted to her family, friends and loved ones and devoted to leaving this world better than she found it. She accomplished her mission. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world, and to her you were. She built a life that revolved around serving others and her contributions to the community impacted countless lives. Joyce was raised in Charleroi and graduated from Charleroi High School in 1970. At the age of 20, she adopted her daughter, Kristen, and a few years later, adopted her son, John. While raising her own children, she fostered dozens of children in the Mon Valley area, providing them with love, stability and guidance. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Sociology from California University of Pennsylvania and became a licensed clinical social worker. After graduating and becoming licensed, she worked at The Arc of Fayette County for 14 years, serving the most vulnerable in the community. Joyce enjoyed anything that involved spending time with her family, friends and loved ones, often making their favorite Greek dishes or delectable baked goods. She loved traveling to Florida to spend time with her children and grandchildren, but her home in Pennsylvania was a retreat for many of her loved ones. Friends and family would often stop by when they needed laughs, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on and they would leave with a full belly and new laugh lines. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, James and Norma Peters; and a brother, James “Jimmy” C. Taylor Jr., (Dottie). She is survived by her life partner, Cliff Brounce; her brother, Robert “Bobby” Taylor; and sister, Patty Elliott; her daughter, Kristen Kootsouradis; her son, John Kootsouradis (Deborah); her son, Joshua Brounce; son, Justin Brounce; and son, Jason Brounce; as well as her grandson, Dontae Kootsouradis; granddaughter, Erin Brounce; granddaughter, Shelby Brounce; granddaughter, Breanna Cataldo; and great-grandson, Dexter Spitzer, as well as many family and friends. Arrangements are being handled by FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, Belle Vernon, Pa. A memorial service will be held beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at the American Legion, Post 22, 234 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi.