Joyce E. Bohren, 82, died peacefully in the early morning hours of February 5, 2026. She was born December 31, 1943 in Fort Wayne to Ernest and Margaret (Reinking) Bohren.
She is survived by brother David (Jane) Bohren, and sister Connie (Jon) Mittler; nieces and nephews Chad Bohren, Carmen Wolcott, Chris Hickman, Lissa Moon, Emmy Mittler Dial, and Laura Mittler; grand nieces and nephews Isabella Bohren, Willem and Lucy Moon, and Oliver Wolcott. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Michael Karazeris, M.D. in 2016 and sister Nancy Bohren in 2023.
Joyce grew up in Woodburn, IN and graduated from Woodlan High School. She was a graduate of Indiana University, where she met some of her dearest lifelong friends. She received a BS in Medical Records and was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She later earned her MS from the University of Illinois. Throughout her career, Joyce’s focus was on advancing the competency of medical professionals through implementation of education and accreditation programs for physicians and other health care professionals, beginning with her tenure at the American Health Information Management Association headquarters in Chicago, then as education specialist at Baxter International, continuing as Executive Director of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and concluding with her retirement in 2008 as Executive Director of the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.
She lived most of her adult life in Chicago and its suburbs. She traveled extensively throughout the country and the world in her professional roles as well as for personal enjoyment. She took great pleasure in music and the arts, especially Ravinia and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and was a devoted fan of Ryne Sandberg and the Chicago Cubs. An excellent and creative cook, she loved to entertain at every opportunity and was the perfect hostess. She always dressed impeccably, and was known for her engaging sense of humor, kindness, and generosity of spirit. To know her was to love her. Joyce will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving sister and aunt, respected colleague, and steadfast friend. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, to be determined. The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Lincolnshire Place for their compassionate and comforting care. Contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders or Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Wayne, Indiana is handling arrangements.