Joy Lynette Kopacz, 51, of Wichita, Kan., passed away on Dec. 17, 2025, in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by family. She was born April 14, 1974 in Washington, Indiana.

In addition to caring for her family, she worked several jobs, mostly as an administrative assistant, data entry specialist or receptionist. In her last role, she supported customers and the sales team at Zee Line by Milton in Wichita.

Joy lived in several cities throughout the Midwest while living with or near her parents, before settling in Wichita. She graduated from Pike High School (Indianapolis, Ind.) in 1992, briefly attended Indiana Wesleyan University, and ultimately earned an associate's degree from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College.

Adopted by John and Judith McCarty as an infant, one of her life's highlights was reconnecting as an adult with her biological siblings – Holly, Drue and Brandie – and biological mother, Vicki Keifenheim.

Joy was always proud of her own children, enjoyed baking cookies, loved her pets, watching crime shows on TV and doing silly Facebook personality quizzes. She and her family regularly attended church, most recently at LifeChurch West Wichita.

Survived by her husband James Kopacz and two children, Nathaniel James (19) and Annika Leah (16) Kopacz; her father John; her mother Vicki; and five siblings – Holly Case, Andrew Richard, James McCarty, Kathy Newby, and Kevin McCarty. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Jeremiah, her sister Brandie Moyer, and her mother, Judith.

Joy was cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held May 2, 2026, at 2 p.m., at The Salvation Army West Orchard Corps Community Center in Wichita, Kansas. The family invites all who loved her to come share memories and honor a life well lived.