JOYCE A. CHUA
June 7, 1969 ~ November 10, 2017
"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." Psalm 73: 24-25
Joyce A. Chua, 48, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on November 10, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joyce was born in Edmonds, WA to loving parents Kian and Helenette (Chen) Chua. She was married to husband Steve Prastka for twenty-two years.
In 1987, Joyce graduated from Mariner High School in Everett. Joyce earned a Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design from Western Washington University in 1992.
Her industrial design career included product design contributions in both corporate design groups and consultant design firms. Joyce co-founded the manufacturing company Capsule Urn where she was the acting Creative Director until her passing. Her work was recognized in multiple, international design competitions.
Her illness and faith, motivated her to help other cancer patients though peer counseling, volunteer outreach, and international dragon boat racing.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Steve; her mother, Helenette Chen; brother, Calvin Chua; sister, Christine (Chua) Reiss; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and a nephew. Her father Kian proceeded her in death.
A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 805 Columbia Ridge Dr., Vancouver, WA 98664.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Ellen Torongo Presbyterian Women's Scholarship fund in Joyce's name at www.columbiapresbyterian.org.
Please sign Joyce's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Her Loving Family.
I don’t know if anyone will see this, being it’s 3 years after Joyce’s passing, but I have been looking for her for over 30 years. We were neighbors in Mountlake Terrace, WA, at the ages of 5 and 6. Sadly, this is the way I finally found her.
Though we both moved from Mountlake Terrace in the summer of 1977, we were still in contact, and our parents would surprise us by dropping us off at the other’s house for a couple of weeks every year or 2.
She taught me how to use a curling iron. We picked a 5 gallon bucket of blackberries, and had a pie baking contest, where we both screwed up the recipe. She went to a Boy Scout camp with me, that my dad ran, and the boys were enraged that girls were there
She taught me how to play “Heart and Soul” on the piano.
I went to my first Costco in KIrkland with her and her dad.
She and Christine taught me to do a kart wheel.
I’m so sad that this is the way I finally found her, but at least I know.
Linnea Partin Hanners
Friend
February 25, 2021
Joyce was such a bright light under the most difficult of circumstances and her smile was contagious. Steve, I can't imagine the pain you and the entire family must be in. She was always very open and positive, even in the last months. Beautiful Joyce was one of the bravest people I've ever had the chance to get to know, she was also a talented dragon boater. Joyce is still missed and loved. I can still feel the last hug she gave me this past summer, the warmth stays with me as I know she was saying goodbye. xoxo
Helen Raptis
Friend
January 24, 2018
Dear Steve, you and Joyce were one of the firsts to make me feel comfortable in a new country, and I will always remember my first experiences here with you. I came to Portland straight from Israel in 2008, and without knowing anyone, felt so comfortable and welcomed in your design community. Joyce always had a great smile that made anyone around her feel good and calm. She will be missed greatly. Sending lots of love.
Noa Dvoskin
Friend
December 20, 2017
Steve, Special thoughts to you. Joyce was a gentle soul - - - - Hugs, Sandi B-J
December 12, 2017
Steve, I am so sad to hear of Joyce's passing. I've always admired your devotion to one another. My thoughts and heart's prayers are with you and your family. Blessings my friend, Tzipi
Tzipi Hartson
Coworker
December 8, 2017
Steve, Jorgen and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Joyce. She was a dear friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her. The dragon boat community will especially feel the loss of Joyce who had friends throughout the dragon boat world and was admired by everyone. You gave our deepest sympathies.
Lynda Iversen
Friend
December 2, 2017
Steve and Joyce were some of the first people I met when I moved to Oregon. They were kind and welcoming. Joyce was such a talented and kind individual. Her energy and creativity will be missed.
Janna K
Friend
December 1, 2017
Steve & family, may you find peace and love in the memories you cherish with Joyce. We are so sorry to hear this news. We are keeping you in our thoughts, and sending love your way.
~ Sena and Greg
November 30, 2017
If you could count on one thing when Joyce was around, it was the smile and sincere caring she always had for everyone around her. What a mighty personality she had to go with that mighty little fighting attitude she had for all she did. She made our dragon boat team special and fun. I can't express strongly enough what a special person you were in life, Joyce, and you will be so missed by many. Stay strong, Steve, and know you have people who care that will be there if you need them.
Michele Lish
November 30, 2017
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May your precious memories of your time together help with the pain. May God comfort your hearts and give you peace. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
EG
November 27, 2017
A mighty warrior witness in a small package - you were an inspiration to so many of the pink warriors. Will miss seeing you on the water. My sympathies to your family and friends.
Janna Brown
November 27, 2017
We're very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
C J
November 27, 2017
Beautiful, funny, kind, and brave Joyce. Everyone who knew you was better for it. We miss you and love you. Your giving spirit remains with us. We will see you again in our time and know you are well and so happy. Our condolences to Steve and to family and friends who also miss you so.
Leslie Waltz
November 27, 2017
My wife and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of JoyceThe news was truly unexpected! At this time of sorrow and grieving, we wish the Prastka and Chua families strength and courage to help them in these difficult times.
We send our sympathy and condolences to both familiesOur prayers and thoughts are with you all..
I will always remembers Joyce's laughter and smile - May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Izidora and David Cirjak
david cirjak
November 27, 2017
Joyce, you are loved and missed. Sisters forever...
Christine Reiss
November 26, 2017
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