Joyce Sylvia Whiteaker Zaverousky, of Antigo, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at her home under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 89 years old. She was born on December 9, 1929, in White Lake, a daughter of the late Clarence and Leona (Hafeman) Whiteaker. She married Charles Zaverousky on August 11, 1951, at St. Mary, Antigo.

Joyce attended the 6th ward grade school and was a graduate of Antigo High School. She attended Langlade County Normal School and became a teacher. She taught at Rocky Glen in Gleason, Aniwa in Shawano County, Trap River and Hewitt-Texas in Marathon County. She was a homemaker for 8 years, also butchering chickens and milking cows. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 1964 and taught at Birnamwood Grade School for 22 years. She retired in 1989.

In 1970 she moved to Wittenberg where she was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, having served as a Lay minister of music, a lector, altar sacristan, was a member of Christian Mothers and taught religious education for 27 years. She moved to Antigo in 1995 and became a member of SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Parish, where she was a member of the Rosary Society, a lector and taught religious education.

She was also a member of the Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary Unit 2653 and volunteered for the Hospital Auxiliary and C.A.R. Joyce was a long time 4-H leader, being involved with both Langlade and Shawano County 4-H programs. She was a member of the Antigo Area Retired Teachers Association, National Educators Association, Wisconsin Educators Association and the Wittenberg-Birmanwood Education Association.

She enjoyed embroidery, reading, collecting salt and pepper shakers, and unique candles. She loved playing with and listening to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and watching the birds around her feeders.

Survivors include a son, Samuel (Patricia) Zaverousky; two daughters, Kristina (Henry) Zaverousky-Dowling and Leona Zaverousky all of Antigo; ten grandchildren, Samuel (Brenda) Zaverousky, Crystal Zaverousky, Stacey Zaverousky, Billie Rae Zaverousky, Angela Steffens, Philip Steffens, Maurice Steffens, Rebecca Steffens-Johnson, Sean (Tanya) Zaverousky and Samantha (CJ) Wassen; six great-grandchildren, Kora and Masson Wilholt, Brianna, Amber and Corina Zaverousky, Drezdyn Steffens; a great, great-granddaughter, Naja Jane Sweet; three sisters, Mayme Farris of Milwaukee, Esther (Gerald) Piel of GA, Aurelia Heiny of Illinois; a brother, Jerry Whiteaker of Cascade.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Charles Zaverousky; a daughter, Mary Zaverousky; two grandchildren, Stevie Jo and Ricki Lea Spain; a sister, Roberta Harteau; four brothers, Wayne, Roy, David and Kenneth.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Mathew Simonar officiating. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. Burial will take place in Star Neva Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association