Joy S. Filak

Joy S. Filak, 89, of Greensboro, North Carolina passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Born July 11, 1923 in Cudahy, Wisconsin, Joy was the daughter of Richard Gottlieb and Matilda Martha (Magnus) Lang. Joy graduated from Cudahy High School and Marquette University with a B.A. in Philosophy and Speech. She taught at Mercy High School before marrying the late Dr. John S. Filak in 1945. John predeceased her on November 21, 1975. Joy was an extremely talented woman, an accomplished singer and dancer in her youth, and a professional clown in later years. But the absolute center of Joy's life was her family. She was deeply devoted to her husband, her nine children, and her Catholic faith.

Joy is lovingly survived by her children, Mary A. (Ross) Shingledecker of Greensboro, NC, John R. Filak of Oak Creek, WI, Mark C. Filak of Denver, CO, Jean M. (Richard) Wood of South Milwaukee, WI, Ruth A. (Mark) Tesensky of Watertown, WI, Paul E. (Sally) Filak of South Milwaukee, WI, James M. (Patricia) Filak of Rockford, IL, and daughter-in-law Pam M. Filak of Delavan, WI (by deceased son Thomas); 23 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; sister Joan (Jesse) Jones of Cudahy, WI and numerous nieces and nephews. Joy was also predeceased by her parents and son John in infancy.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on 6/21/13 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Rockford, IL. Burial in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cudahy, WI will be at 10:00 AM on 6/22/13. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made directly to a charity of the donor's choice.