Joyce Lucille Karpiej

Joyce Lucille Karpiej, age 83, of Farmington, CT passed away on June 4, 2025 at UConn John Dempsey Hospital after a brief illness.  Joyce was born on December 13, 1941 in New Britain, Connecticut to her parents Anthony and Frances (Masso) LaRosa, who were lifelong residents of New Britain.

She attended Central Connecticut State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. She received her teaching certificate and was a teacher and substitute teacher for many years until she began a long career with the Cigna Insurance Company.  She also spent many years working at the family restaurant LaRosa's in New Britain.  After retirement, she found pleasure in gardening, reading and helping out at Sassy Mama Sweets in Southington where she was affectionately known as the Sassy Grandma.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Paul LaRosa and his wife Christine of Berlin, CT; son, Bob and his wife Linda of Torrington, CT; son, Ken and his wife Heather of Torrington, CT; and daughter, Lori Dibble and her husband Lee of Southington, CT.  Joyce had five grandchildren, Tyler, Courtney and Madison Karpiej, Austin Karpiej and Mason Dibble.  She also shared her love with numerous "adopted" grandchildren that she became very close to.  In addition to her parents, Joyce was predeceased by her brother, Daniel LaRosa and sister, Marilyn LaRosa.

Funeral Services will be held privately at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home in New Britain.  Entombment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to myasthenia.org or break through t1 diabetes.