Margaret “Maggie” Joyce

Margaret “Maggie” Joyce (née Boss), 69, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her devoted husband and children, in a house brimming with the warmth and tenderness she spent her life giving to others. She is now free from the shackles of ALS, a disease she endured with remarkable grit, grace, and a stubborn, steadfast refusal to complain.

Maggie was the beating heart of her family. She is survived by her husband Kevin Joyce, and her children: Lee Kuehn (wife Kelly; son Lucas), Nick Pavlot (wife Lindsay), Mary Kate Joyce (husband Joel Gilman; sons Ronan and Liam), Meghan Roney (husband Brian; daughter Ella; sons Paxton and Orion), and James Joyce (wife Angela). She is also lovingly remembered by her great-niece Kayla Greygor and great-grandniece Auri, along with many extended family members, neighbors, coworkers, and dear friends who will miss her more than words can hold.

Maggie met her husband Kevin at Steak & Ale in the North Hills where they were both employed.  Their long friendship blossomed over time and they married in August of 1986.  While raising their five children, she joined her husband in 1996 as the owner of The Carlton and Eadie’s Market and Catering.  Kevin’s passion was establishing The Carlton as one Pittsburgh’s best!  Maggie took the quick-serve breakfast and lunch spot on Grant Street and turned it into a downtown staple for office workers on the go.  Her work ethic and leadership quadrupled sales over the years. Eadie’s Catering and Pastry Chef Jeff Julin’s Specialty Cakes were enjoyed at functions all over Pittsburgh. But her success wasn’t only measured in numbers. She mentored, guided, and truly cared for her employees, and she built real friendships with customers—turning a busy downtown business into a place people felt known.

To know Maggie was to feel cared for. She stood beside people through countless chapters of life—showing up through laughter and heartbreak, in the highs and the lows—with kindness, strength, and a heart that never wavered. Many have shared that Maggie supported and believed in them when it mattered most, and helped shape the life they went on to build. She lived in service to others with a generosity that was constant and instinctive: running errands, cooking meals, folding laundry, watching grandchildren, mentoring employees, and making sure everyone around her felt supported and loved.

Maggie moved through life like the energizer bunny: always in motion, never stopping, and somehow always pleasant and happy while doing it. She lit up every room with her dazzling smile. She made hard things look effortless. She radiated love and kindness—and she was also delightfully, famously honest. Maggie would tell you exactly how she felt, and people trusted her for it.

She never stopped mothering her children (or, telling them to “get their house in order”). She and her kids were fiercely close, tied together by deep loyalty, laughter, and the certainty that their mom would do anything for them—every time, no matter what. And then came her favorite role: Nana. Maggie adored her grandchildren, and even in her final days, nothing brought her more joy than time with them. She wasn’t an ordinary Nana—she was their friend, their confidant, their ally, and always the most fun.

Maggie lived for the Sunday dinners she regularly hosted for 15-20 family members after a day by the pool or watching Steeler football.  Before ALS, she treasured neighborhood walks.  Throughout her life, she prized her independence—an essential part of who she was. ALS tried to steal that from her, but it never touched her spirit. She remained tough. She remained herself.

Maggie had a fierce love for Kevin. They were best friends, partners in every season, and a team in the truest sense. Kevin cared for her with unwavering devotion, and their love—steady, loyal, and deeply lived—was one of the clearest gifts she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 2:00–7:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 3609 Washington Ave., Finleyville, PA 15332. Everyone please meet at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something kind for someone else—an errand, a meal, a note, a small act of care in Maggie’s spirit—or consider a donation to the ALS Association.

Maggie Joyce was loved by everyone. She made people feel seen. She lifted others up. And she leaves behind a family—and a community—forever changed by the way she loved.