Joyce Padgett

Joyce Evelyn Padgett, nee Campanella, 74, of Fairview Heights, IL, born Wednesday, December 27, 1950, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Clinton Manor in New Baden, IL.

Joyce was a member of St. Matthew Church in Belleville, IL, and worked part-time at William Holiday School from 1996-2013 in the kitchen. She was proud of her Italian heritage, the family coming to America from Sicily. It was a special treat for her to go to DiGregorio’s on The Hill in St. Louis.

Joyce was filled with love for her family and children and grandchildren, Olivia and Daniella. She enjoyed small trips, eating out, old movies on the TCM channel, musicals, the Beatles, Beach Boys, The Wizard of Oz and the Christmas season.

After health issues over several years, she fought her last battle with dementia passing peacefully. Death knocked at the door and entered. But God provided a way and renewed her to everlasting life.

She was preceded in death by:

• Parents, Frank and Evelyn, nee Easly, Campanella
• Sisters:
  • Diane Albertini
  • Linda Ward
  • Louise Guiliano
  • Cathy Jauch

Surviving are:

• Husband of 52 years, Steve Padgett of Fairview Heights, IL
• Children:
  • Stephen (Misty) Padgett of Swansea, IL
  • Jennifer (John) Lerch of Granite City, IL
• Brother, Larry Campanella of Centralia, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Daniella Padgett
  • Olivia Lerch
• Dear nieces and nephews

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Matthew Music Ministry or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Visitation: Visitation from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Swickard officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.