Joyce Kurkul Obituary

Joyce (O'Brien) Kurkul, 90, wife of the late Charles V. Kurkul, formerly of Enfield, CT, passed away peacefully on 3/29/2026, 1 day after her 90th birthday in Texas where she resided the past 11 years. She was born in Northampton, MA, the youngest daughter of the late Earl and Josephine (Quinlan) O'Brien.

She met and later married the love of her life, Charles, on 9/18/1956. She then fulfilled her most coveted, beloved role as wife, mother and the matriarch of the Kurkul family. She was married for 58 wonderful years and has 4 living children: Linda, Susan, John and Kathryn. She is survived by and leaves a legacy of 13 grandchildren and currently 16 greatgrandchildren.

She was named Joyce as her parents were so joyful to finally have a daughter after 4 sons. She truly embodied joy and had the most joyful spirit and her life was grounded in the Catholic faith.

She was the most vivacious, full of life individual, and there will never be anyone like her. She was a safe space for her loved ones and she never met a stranger. She had a light about her that will be carried on through everyone that she touched in the span of her life. She is survived by her loving companion of the past 7 years, Henry Fink.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd., Enfield. Committal will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA.

For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.