Joyce Westin Dunne

Joyce Westin Dunne. Age 89, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 23, 2023 at her home in Chicago—just shy of her 90th birthday on May 6th.  She was vivacious, energetic, and known for her quick wit, incisive mind, spirited humor, kindness and sartorial elegance —traits that characterized her behavior and style until the end.  Until four months before her death she was still exercising with her cherished group of girlfriends.

Joyce was proud of the accomplished family she left behind, which includes her daughters Jessica Lagrange (Steve Johnson) and Christina Dunne -Anderson; grandchildren Christophe (Kelly) and Lucien Remy Lagrange. Her beloved great-granddaughter Rae Lagrange. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Dunne; her parents, George and Clara Westin; and her sister Joan Westin (Vern) Wendt. She was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Joyce graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago’s Lincoln Square and began her career as a fashion and runway model.  After 25 years, she went on to establish her own event planning businesses, where she produced all types of private and corporate events. Her business was tremendously successful due to her creativity, eye for detail, innovative mindset, sophisticated taste and outgoing personality. Thanks to these qualities, she became known as an icon in the wedding planning industry and was often quoted in the most renowned national bridal publications due to her keen, perceptive, and always honest industry observations. 

In truth, these qualities defined Joyce her entire life. She had an eye for quality, beauty and detail, and everything she did reflected her impeccable style and taste. These qualities served her well in other beloved pursuits, from helping her husband garden to frequenting antique markets and designer resale and thrift shops, where she always found well-priced and exquisite treasures. Not surprisingly, Joyce was also a devoted, much beloved and esteemed volunteer at the Mount Sinai Resale Shop. She was an excellent hostess at dinner parties in her home, where her warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome and adored.

Joyce Westin Dunne will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of elegance, grace and kindness will be cherished forever. A private funeral service will be held for her family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that her many treasured friends and acquaintances raise a glass of good wine in her honor.  It’s what Joyce would have wanted.

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