Jocelyne “Joyce” Tabaka
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jocelyne “Joyce” Tabaka, age 96 of McLean, Virginia, on August 13th, 2020.
Joyce’s life was nothing less than extraordinary. Born in Tunis, Tunisia to the late Felix and Theresa Perez, it is there where she met the absolute love of her life, Walter Tabaka, a U.S. Army solider deployed during World War II. Their lifelong love story began there in Tunisia and would see Joyce journeying by ship across the Atlantic to begin a new life with Walter in Passaic, New Jersey. They were married on March 28th, 1945 and were completely inseparable until Walter’s untimely passing in 1999. Joyce and Walter had an incredible life together. They traveled locally and abroad, often searching for fabrics and fashions that Joyce filled her boutiques with, Walter never more than a few steps away holding Joyce’s shopping finds. Joyce’s greatest passions included sewing, painting, and cooking and she was amazing at all of them! She had designed luxurious gowns for some of the most remarkable First Ladies of the U.S. White House. Her paintings weren’t just astoundingly beautiful, but they seemed to re-tell the stories of her travels and her life with Walter. Joyce’s personality can best be described as vivacious and spirited; she spoke five languages fluently and made friends wherever she went. She cherished every moment she spent with her many adoring friends and family, and her beautiful 17-year old Himalayan cat, Minouche. Joyce made long-lasting friendships across the globe, but was especially close to her incredible friends, Mohammad and Giselle.
Walter and Joyce’s greatest joy was their three children, and eventually, the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren who filled their lives with absolute delight. Joyce is survived by her two sons, Walter Tabaka, Jr. and his wife Jan Tabaka, and Allen Tabaka and his wife Dorene Tabaka, and her daughter Sandy Hunt and her partner Ken Reed. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Becky Snyder, Shane Tabaka, Tracy Tabaka, Alicia Tabaka, Doug Tabaka, and Jackie Tabaka; and seven great grandchildren. We will all miss our “Meme” more than could ever be expressed in words.
Joyce will be laid to rest beside her loving and devoted Walter on Friday, August 21st, 2020 at the Quantico National Cemetery, in a private interment. Knowing that Walter and Joyce will now be eternally reunited brings the family great comfort with her passing. A celebration of Joyce’s amazing life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Inova Palliative Care Services at https://support.inova.org/page/3974/donate.
Recent Stories
A judge has temporarily halted timbering near Courthouse Road, where a developer plans to build a large data center. The emergency injunction comes after neighbors raised alarms and Stafford County filed a legal complaint alleging zoning violations and broken land-use promises.
John Williams is the soundtrack of my childhood. So when the Kennedy Center invited my wife and me to Notes and Frames, a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra celebrating classic film scores, I jumped at the chance.
GMU graduate Emmanuel Nwokeabia wins $13,000 for his startup Viralbite, which connects food lovers with restaurants through performance-based influencer marketing.
Thousands of families have now confirmed whether their children will ride the bus next school year, as Stafford County Public Schools continues to implement its new transportation opt-in policy.
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., you’re invited.
Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.
This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind ‘90s classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
