Joyce Cavarozzi

Joyce Ann Pennington Cavarozzi, 88, passed away on September 28th, 2019.

Joyce is survived by her son Chris Cavarozzi; sister, Janice Mulcahey; brother, Dallas Pennington; brother in law, Gene Mulcahey; sister in law, Linda Pennington; grandchildren, Makena Cavarozzi, Gianna Cavarozzi and Marco Cavarozzi; nieces and nephews, Sharon James, Michael Mulcahey, Sally James, Daniel Mulcahey, Susan Callahan, Amy Pennington Fezzey, John (Skip) Pennington, and Erin Pennington Bidwell. Joyce is preceded in death by Adrian and Howard Pennington

Joyce was born in Cincinnati on May 6th, 1931. She graduated from Glendale High School in 1949. She is a graduate of Ohio University and Ohio State University.

Joyce began teaching at Wichita State University in 1965. She retired in 2006. In her long career, Joyce directed and designed costumes for hundreds of productions as a member of the theatre faculty at Wichita State University. She also performed on stage, television, and in several movies. She nourished, supported and cherished generations of students. She was president of the faculty senate and received the President’s Award for Distinguished Service. In addition, she was inducted into the Mary Jean Teall Theatre Hall of Fame. Joyce received the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Gold Medallion for Excellence in Theatre and the Meritorious Achievement Award in costume design. Her excellent work with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, including a term as Regional Chair, made WSU Theatre recognized nationally.The Wichita State University Foundation with the College of Fine Arts; The Joyce Cavarozzi Endowed Scholarship in Theater, is awarded every year to a full-time student in the School of Performing Arts. Joyce was a force in the performing arts in Wichita for five decades. Joyce gave, quietly and unselfishly, total love and devotion to her family and to those friends she had made a part of her family.

"She is one who has always believed that giving to and helping others is one way of honoring God on earth." - Adrian Pennington.

Visitation will be held at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pk., Springdale, OH 45246 on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 12:30pm until time of funeral service at 1:30pm.

Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
The Wichita State University Foundation with the College of Fine Arts; The Joyce Cavarozzi Endowed Scholarship in Theater, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67208.