Joyce O'Leary

Joyce Krieger O’Leary, born October 24, 1931, passed away in her sleep on June 2, 2023. She will be joining her soulmate and the love of her life, James (Big Jim) O’Leary, who passed away in 2021. They had been married for 68 years. Joyce is also preceded in death by her adored son, James William O’Leary (Jimmy), in 2002.

Joyce took piano lessons from age 10 and performed at her grammar school graduation. She was a graduate of Lodi High School and Sherwood Secretarial School, after which she worked as a secretary for Bendix Aviation. She loved gardening, needlepoint, aerobics and cooking for her family. Joyce and Jim also loved their trips to the Jersey Shore.

Joyce and Jim’s life together began in 1950 with their meeting at the Hackensack Roller Rink, where they spent many fun times. They married and lived in Ringwood, NJ for 50 years, where they raised their three sons Jimmy, Jeff and Jack. Their little dog, Tiger, grew up with the family and passed away at age 16. Upon Jim’s retirement, they relocated to beautiful Franklin, TN.

Joyce is survived by her loving sons, Jeffrey (Laurie) and Jack (Gail) O’Leary; her grandson Michael (Meaghan) O’Leary, and their children, Hayden and Harper, her granddaughter Sarah O’Leary and children Bentley and Declan and her granddaughter Melanie Aron.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 11:30am in the chapel of Harpeth Hills Funeral Home. Visitation will also be on Thursday, June 8, from 10:30am until the hour of service. Burial will follow in Lakeview Estates at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.