Joyce Roberta Parker passed away peacefully following a brief illness.  She was 92 years old.  Joyce was born January 29, 1928 in Kenosha, WI to Lloyd F. Barth and Evelyn I. (Pedley) Barth.  She graduated from Bradford High School in 1946. While in high school, she, her sister Jean (Burke) and some others started the Trident Swim club, as they did not have a girls’ swim team at that time.

She was wed to John W. Parker on January 29, 1948.  Joyce’s love for the water and swimming led to lifeguarding jobs and eventually to a life dedicated to teaching others how to swim.  She was a swimming instructor and eventually Aquatics Director at the Kenosha Youth Foundation.  Her career there spanned 30 years from 1959 to 1989.

Upon “retiring” from the “Y”, she moved to Eagle River, WI and her dream home on Snipe Lake.  She continued to teach swimming lessons until one month short of her 84th birthday.  Over the years, she also competed in some Master’s swim meets and helped with Special Olympics swimming.  She was inducted into the Kenosha Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Evelyn Barth, her husband John W. Parker, her son John L. Parker, grandson Gregory W. Parker, her sister Jean Burke and two of her nieces, Linda (Burke) O’Neill and Deborah (Burke) Monticelli.  She is survived by her son Mark A. (wife Susan) Parker of New Brockton, AL and David P. Parker of Pine River, WI.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Chad A. Parker (wife Ronda), Aaron M. Parker, James A. Parker (wife Amy), Brian L. Parker and John M. Parker, as well as 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew.

Due to the Covid-19 virus and “stay at home” decree, the family will be having a small private gathering. It is hoped that when the coronavirus situation is not as threatening, there will be a celebration of life for Joyce.  The family has requested no flowers.