Joyce Diane Peck

Joyce (Calesa) Short Peck, of Sarasota, FL, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the age of 72.  Born in Massachusetts, to the late Joseph Calesa and Betty (Conway) Calesa. She was raised in Franklin, MA and later moved to Sarasota, FL in the late 70s.  She is preceded in death by her sisters Betty and Linda, and her niece Crystal Gutjahr, Nephews Shawn Fralin and Russell Brooks, and brother-in-law Bill Fralin.

 

Joyce’s first job was working at Reliable Dry Cleaners, where she was introduced to the career she would spend the next 40+ years loving. She often said, “find something you love doing and get paid for it, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” There were hard days indeed, but she loved what she did, excelled at it, and made many great friends along the way.    

 

Joyce is survived by her husband Bill, son Paul Short (April) of Scituate, MA, daughter Julie Short Kish of Sarasota, FL, and son Greg Short (Angela) of Pomfret Center, CT.  She was the younger sister of Ruth Brooks (Andrew) of Nokomis, FL and Joanne Fralin of Sarasota, FL, and the older sister of Debbie Calesa of Sarasota, FL. 

 

Joyce, affectionately known as Nana will be missed by her grandchildren, Nick, Haley, Katelyn, Abigail, Gabrielle, Elizabeth and Allison.  She is also fondly remembered by the close-knit family of nieces and nephews: Michael and Steven Bonollo, Tim Calesa, Donald Belair, Andrew Brooks, David and Glenn Jennings, Dawn Pickering Blaise, Jim Fralin, Shannon Espinosa, and Cameron MacKie. 

 

Joyce cherished her time with family and was so very proud of them. She loved spending time on the beach with friends, family or a good book. She will be lovingly remembered by all that knew her through work, as a supportive parent of her 3 children through all their school sports, events, and friendships, and as a friend and neighbor.  Wherever she made her home throughout the years was always the gathering spot and a place where everyone felt welcomed and loved. 

 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29th, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, at the Siesta Beach, Sea Turtle Pavilion, located at 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242  (https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=948+Beach+Rd.+Siesta+Key+FL+34242).   

 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation, in memory of Joyce Peck to the National Alzheimer’s Association at: https://www.alz.org  

 

To express online condolences to the family, visit https://yourtraditionsfuneralhome.com