Joyce Stevens

Joy (Joyce) Stevens, age 79, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, on April 11. Joy was born in Pitcairn, NY, to Nemo and Amy (Shaw) Stevens. She graduated from Harrisville Central School in 1955 and from Canton A.T.I. in 1957. Shortly after graduation she worked for the District Attorney of St. Lawrence County. Later, she moved to the Syracuse area where she worked as a legal secretary for several different law offices, and then as a clerk stenographer for the U.S. Postal Service, Taft Road, Syracuse.
Following retirement, Joy was active in the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) serving as the editor of the local chapter newsletter for several years. She also enjoyed traveling with her companion, David Southard who predeceased her.
Most important to Joy were her family and friends. She was passionate about her flower gardens along with the birds and bunnies they attracted (but not the squirrels), and, in the past, crocheting and many other crafts. She loved connecting to everyone, especially through playing Scrabble, attending church events, and, when younger, line dancing, parades and Civil War reenactments. She will be remembered for the unconditional love and support she showed to all her family and friends.
Joy is survived by her daughter Beverly (Kevin) Lauricella, Syracuse; sons Richard, West Yarmouth, MA, and Hal Tupper, North Syracuse; step grandsons Zach and Dylan Lauricella; sisters Virginia Stevens, Ogdensburg, NY and Joanne (Robert) Finnegan, Essex Junction, VT; nieces, nephews and grand-nieces. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Katherine Jane Stevens.
Services will be held Monday, April 16th at 1:00 p.m. at United Church of Christ, Bayberry, Liverpool. Contributions in her honor may be made to the United Church of Christ in Bayberry, 215 Blackberry Rd, Liverpool, NY 13090 or North Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NAVAC), P.O. Box 215, North Syracuse, NY, 13212-0215.