In Loving Memory

Joyce Diamant Koby

2/29/1948 — 7/7/2026

Proko Funeral Home

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Joyce Diamant Koby, 78, of Delavan, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkorn, WI.

She was born on February 29, 1948, in Elmhurst, IL, the daughter of the late August P. Diamant and Mary Phyllis Barry. She attended local schools and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education. She worked as an art teacher for many years in both public and private schools prior to her retirement.

Joyce was a Chrisitan Scientist in Crystal Lake, IL. She was active in the AA community and was a staunch supporter of programs for veterans. She was an avid equestrian and published author of “Horseback, Mostly Bareback: Short Stories of a Mustang in the Fox River Valley”. She was super adventurous, part Cherokee, but un-papered, a talented Pow Wow Dancer; and well known in the community.

She is survived by her loving sister, Ellen McCabe of Delavan, WI; and many other special friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life will be held at future date. Please check back for details.

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Margaret Poulos July 15, 2026

Joyce was an inspired and inspiring person who blessed those who knew her. She was a devoted and helpful friend to many. Her wisdom and principled thought and behavior stood as a beacon and guide to others. Her God-centered and prayerful life made her a healing presence and an influence for good and drew many people to her. People benefited greatly from her spiritual thought. Joyce and I met in the 1980’s when she was teaching at a preschool in Elgin, Illinois. Joyce enjoyed sharing her love of nature and art with her students. In later years she wrote a book she hoped would help children and adults learn how to draw. Joyce had degrees in art and was a creative artist who loved painting scenery - trees and waterfalls, sewing and doing beadwork on her Native American dresses, wood burning, crocheting, making dolls, and more. She was very talented, and her artwork was full of life and style. Joyce cherished the many beloved animals she was devoted to and gained much joy from throughout her life. She had a deep spiritual connection with each of them. She felt a connection with the Native American culture and participated in many powwows. She also had a deep respect and appreciation for American veterans and supported them in various ways. When faced with life’s many challenges Joyce never gave in, never gave up, and never backed down. She worked to overcome evil with good. Love you, Joyce, and wish for you a life filled with all that you hold dear in the next chapter of your eternal life.

Lynese Pearson July 12, 2026

Joyce was an old soul, a special and highly creative, spiritual person, who was one of a kind! We were friends for many years, sharing happy times and memories together. We taught school together in Elgin, Illinois and had a cherished friendship. Joyce loved helping people especially children and adults who were struggling with life issues. She was dedicated to her many beloved pets over the years including her horse Duke and numerous cats and dogs. Heaven has welcomed another angel in our wonderful friend Joyce. RIP Joyce, you are dearly loved!

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Provided by

Proko Funeral Home