Obituary of Joyce Johnson

Schenectady - Joyce Johnson passed away peacefully at her house on Sunday, June 1, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited with her husband, Fred, the love of her life. A lifelong Schenectady resident and graduate of St. Columba High School, Joyce was an avid reader and bowler. She also enjoyed spending summers on Sacandaga Lake boating with their best friends, Dick and Shirley Daly. Her favorite vacation was to spend winters with Karen, Ali and Mally in Florida. Joyce worked for the Niskayuna School District, the City Health Dept. and lastly, worked as a secretary for the chief at the Schenectady Fire Dept., retiring in 1997 after many years of dedicated service. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of St. John and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. Joyce is survived by her loving daughters, Karen Johnson of Delray Beach, FL and Kathy (Bob) Steve of Glenville. By far the light of her life were her five grandchildren who she devoted herself to tirelessly, earning her the title of best gram ever; Ali and Mally Makboul of Florida and Matthew, Kristine and Greta Steve of Glenville. She is also survived by two sisters, Teresa Kavanah and Celeste (William) Dardanelli. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude to Lynn LaBarge, Wendy Harris, Diane Dardanelli, Judi Dardanelli, Kristine Steve, Matty Steve and Greta Steve for providing exceptional care and their unending devotion to our mother's happiness and well being, on a daily basis. A special thank you to Dr. Michael Holmes for his kind and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 12:15 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist, 816 Union St., Schenectady. Interment Parkview Cemetery, Schenectady. At the request of Joyce, there will be no traditional calling hours. Instead, family and friends are invited to participate in an old fashioned "Irish Wake," in celebration of her life. It will be held at Clinton's Ditch, 112 South College St., Schenectady, on Wednesday night, June 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.