Joy Glassner's Obituary
Joy Glassner was born in the 1960s, but her heart and spirit always belonged to the 1970s. Creative, determined, expressive, and quietly fearless, Joy lived her life with intention, warmth, and a sense of style entirely her own.
Before she ever held the keys to her first car, Joy spent her teenage years negotiating with a stubborn pony named Tony, who absolutely refused to let her ride. She later graduated to a horse named Raja, whom she loved and rode with great joy until adulthood arrived. In a selfless act that reflected her generous heart, Joy sold Raja to help her mother purchase a new car-an early sign of the love and sacrifice that would define her life.
During her junior year of high school, Joy met William Glassner. Their connection was steady and sure, and after a brief courtship, they married and soon welcomed their first child, Tiffany. Joy became a young mother while Bill worked third shift, and together in the early 1980s they turned a house in Ravenna, Ohio into a true home-built with care, hard work, and love.
Joy's creativity shaped every part of her world. She found joy in acrylic painting, resin flower crafts, handmade crochet blankets, and countless artistic experiments. Renovation was never a chore for Joy-it was a passion. Each room she touched was transformed thoughtfully and intentionally. Five years after Tiffany, Joy and Bill welcomed their son, Matthew, as Joy continued to balance motherhood, creativity, and an ever‑evolving home.
Music was always playing somewhere in Joy's life. She loved America, Fleetwood Mac, Culture Club, and Cher, later enjoying Céline Dion, Michael Bolton, Keith Urban, and even Nelly. She danced with confidence and enthusiasm, famously owning the Macarena at weddings without hesitation.
After Matthew began school, Joy entered the workforce and quickly distinguished herself through dedication and leadership. She served as a distribution center leader before transitioning into medical billing and coding, a field she committed 20 years to. Over time, Joy advanced into a supervisory role, where she trained, coached, and supported others with patience and strength. No matter the role, Joy gave 110%-always.
In the late 1990s, Joy and Bill built their own home in Garrettsville (Freedom Township), once again bringing her vision to life. Eventually, they returned to Mantua and undertook a full remodel, transforming their home yet again. Joy had a rare gift-she could see beauty and possibility where others could not.
Joy was fiercely devoted to her family, especially her children, Tiffany and Matthew, who were always at the center of her world. She deeply loved spending time with her grandchildren, Lyric, Damien, Cole, Harley, Makayla, and Zane, taking great joy in watching them grow. Seeing and hearing about her great‑grandchildren, Kasey, Willow, Kade, Mattie, and Millie, brought her immense happiness and pride.
In her final months, Joy showed extraordinary courage and determination, choosing to live boldly and fully. She checked off her bucket list with joy-getting her first and only hummingbird tattoo, visiting a casino for the first time, flying on an airplane for the first time, and traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she placed her feet in the ocean for the very first time. She visited Butterfly World and Flamingo World, and later experienced another first by staying in her first‑ever treehouse in Hocking Hills.
Joy loved flowers, birds-especially hummingbirds-butterflies, and her beloved cats. Her favorite color was purple, though she wore black most often. She adored cozy things, firmly disliked shopping for mattresses and cell phones, and rarely felt the urge to travel-because she built places worth staying in.
And though gentle in many ways, Joy had a wild streak. She loved to drive fast, and even in her final months proved it-racing go‑carts and beating everyone, with confidence and pride. Joy did not slow down quietly.
Joy Glassner lived a life filled with creativity, resilience, devotion, humor, and love. Her legacy lives on in the spaces she transformed, the people she nurtured, and the family she cherished.
Joy is survived by her loving husband, William Glassner; her daughter, Tiffany Pendleton, and son‑in‑law, James Pendleton; her son, Matthew Glassner; her brother, Mark Cochran; her cherished grandchildren, Lyric, Damien, Cole, Harley, Makayla, and Zane; and her beloved great‑grandchildren, Kasey, Willow, Kade, Mattie, and Millie.
A celebration of Joy's life will be announced at a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Joy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joy?
Share a story where Joy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joy you’ll never forget.
How did Joy make you smile?