Joyce Hartmann Karpay

KARPAY, Joyce of Tampa passed suddenly and without notice or suffering October 4, 2022 during her Pilates class.  Joyce was born in Tampa to Louis and Lilyan Schonbrun in January of 1935 and she lived her entire life in Tampa, aside from the years she spent in Gainesville earning her bachelor's degree at the University of Florida.

She began her career as a public school teacher after earning her degree, then switched career paths to modeling and became a professional model where she appeared in numerous television commercials and newspaper and magazine prints.  After she acquired this experience, she moved into the world of television, hosting the weekly show, “Women’s Point of View” which aired on USF Television.  In addition to hosting “Women’s Point of View,” she produced and hosted the multi-part series, “Tony Pizzo’s Tampa,” which is still aired to this day by organizations such as the Tampa Historical Society.  After having her fill of television stardom, she became a custom wedding planner, where she remained for several decades.  During this time she designed and choreographed many of Tampa Bay’s notable weddings and published her first book entitled “Secrets of a Bridal Consultant.”

Joyce always kept an extremely busy calendar, booked hour by hour, seven days per week because she loved being active and involved.  

Philanthropy was not just a hobby but a spiritual and heartfelt passion which began early in her life and lasted until the very end.  Her Judaism inspired her to give both her time and treasure.  She was a member of many Judaism-based organizations.  In her teenage years she was a part of the group, Young Judea, and throughout her life she was a member of Hadassah; she even served time as the group’s president.  She also was a member of the Tampa JCC and was a Federation Lion of Judah contributor.  She gave herself to the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Union of Christians and Jews, both Rodeph Shalom and Schaarai Zedek synagogues, and countless additional Jewish worthy causes.  She loved Israel, having been there seven times. Outside of her wide Jewish cultural and religious arena, she contributed to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, USF, Saint Leo’s College, and several institutions catering to local at-risk youth and the economically challenged.  

Though busy with family and accomplishments, Joyce was no stranger to having fun.  She regularly hosted parties, and loved boating, dining out, dancing, theater, opera, symphony, and numerous other social activities.  She was a trendsetter in all aspects and could be described as a social butterfly with depth.  

Her energy, compassion, and drive, coupled with her notorious leadership skills made her the notable person she was.  

She is preceded in death by her three husbands: Leonard Anton, Robert Hartmann, and George Karpay.  She loved deeply and was loved deeply in return.  All were men of considerable professional accomplishment, intellect, depth, and character.  She was also preceded in death by her two children: Robin Sears and Jonathan Anton.

Joyce is survived by a large and loving family which includes seven children and stepchildren: David Anton ( Becky Ferrell-Anton), Kathy Hartmann (Elton Humphreys), Robert Hartmann (Mel Hartmann), David Hartmann, Richard Hartmann (Wendy Hartmann), Meg Palma (Al Palma), and Ellen Jordan (Dan Jordan).  She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and step grandchildren: Hannah Anton, Eve Anton, Megan Brooks, Michael Humphreys, Erin Sheehy, Hallie Rose Jacobson, Amber Hartmann, Justin Hartmann, Kaiser Hartmann, Tessa Hartmann, JJ Hartmann, Liz Grushkin, and Allie Palma.  In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her eight great grandchildren: Kennedy, Chloe, Noah, Hudson, David, Daniel, Jordan, and Abigail.  She is also survived by her three siblings: Gina Harris, Harvey Schonbrun (Cherie Schonbrun), and Mark Schonbrun, as well as her beloved friend and confidant, Ron Lasday.

Funeral services will be held at Rodeph Sholom Synagogue this Sunday, October 9, at 1:00 PM.  A graveside service will follow for all those who wish to attend.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Jonathan Anton memorial fund administered by TOP (scroll down to “Endowments” after clicking the link to find Jonathan’s memorial fund) or to the charity of one’s choosing, including hurricane relief.