Joy J. Furlong Mitchell

Joy was born August 9, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Harold & Emilia Furlong. Joy attended Gage Park High School. She married her high school sweetheart Richard B. Olenski on May 6, 1961.

In 1965 Joy & Richard adopted a baby girl, Debra Ann, and moved to Western Springs, Illinois. In 1967 they adopted a baby boy, Robert Michael, and moved to Colorado. Joy and Richard divorced in 1989.

Joy held many different occupations including wedding planning, public relations at the Denver Symphony Orchestra, hotel sales & marketing, journalist for "The Circle in the Square " magazine. She retired from the State of Colorado, Department of Public Health & Environment in 2006 after 12 years of service.

In 1995, Joy met the love of her life, Steven K. Mitchell at a halloween party. They were married on April 19, 1997 at Christ Episcopal Church in Castle Rock, Colorado.

She enjoyed extensive traveling, especially her trip to Europe and her ocean cruises, her photography and her appreciation of the arts an a wide variety of music. She always put others needs before her own!

She is survived by her loving husband Steven, her loving children Debra (Darrell) Tuenge and Robert Olenski; she was very proud of her grandchildren Maresa, Jonathan, Madalayne and Jackson and her great grandchild Braden. Joy is also survived by her loving mother Emilia and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21st at the Christ Episcopal Church (615 4th Street, Castle Rock, Colorado - 303-688-5185) at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Frederick W. "Rick" Meyers officiating.

Friends are encouraged to sign the guest book (above) and leave a story or a personal note for friends and family to read.