Joyce Yeske

YESKE, Joyce Joyce Yeske, 68, a former chaplin for Hospice at Masonic Care in Wallingford, died Tuesday, (September 28, 2009) in West Hartford. Joyce was known in hospice as "The lady with the Harp". Born in New Britain, she was the daughter of the late William and Lillian (Brause) Yeske, she had lived in West Hartford the past five years, moving here from New Haven. Joyce earned her Bachelor's Degree from St. Joseph College in West Hartford and her Masters of Divinity Degree from Yale University. She was an accomplished musician having mastered the Viola, Violin and the Harp which she had the distinct honor of playing in the Governors Mansion. She had played with the State Philharmonic Orchestra. She was an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy for over 20 years, Connecticut Council Hospice, and Connecticut Harp Association. She golfed and played in several state tournament s during the time she resided in Florida. Joyce was a strong advocate for anyone in need. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Darlene (Rose) Yeske of West Hartford; a sister Ruth Kurtz and her husband Michael of Southington; a brother David Yeske of West Hartford; her aunt Dorothy Czarnota and her husband Larry of Southington, her cousin Cynthia Miller and her husband Bob of New Britain, her nephews Peter Kurtz and wife Debby of Southington, Matthew Kurtz and wife Sara of Middlebury, VT, Tim Kritz and wife Karen of Southington, and John (Jake) Kritz and wife Sandy of Burlington, Mark Yeske and wife Holly of Bristol, Daniel Yeske of Bristol, William Yeske and wife Darlene of Torrington, Nieces Sarah Kritz of Cromwell, Susan (Yeske) Bermonte of Goshen, their mother Dorilda. Special great nieces Rachael and Leah Kurtz of Southington, Michael, Abby, Jim, Kelly Kritz also survive her. She will be missed by all who knew her and whose presence she has touched. "Aunt Joyce, keep your fork in your right hand!" The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Father Cody and Maureen Brouillard of the Church of St Timothy, the Hebrew Home in West Hartford, Rabbi Gary Lavit, The Hebrew Health Hospice team especially Christine, Kat, Kate, Lia, Jill and Chris, Sr. Grace of the Sisters of Mercy, and her devoted friend Shirley Gamble-Cordes. Friends may call Saturday October 3, 2009 at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Famington Ave, West Hartford beginning at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of St.Timothy, 1116 North Main St, West Hartford at 10 a.m. There will be a private burial at the family discretion at a later date. A Scholarship fund in Joyce's memory has been established at the Hartt School of Music for string instruments. Contributions can be sent to; University of Hartford – Hartt School 200 Bloomfield Ave. West Hartford, CT 06117. To leave an online message of sympathy or for directions please visit.www.molloyfuneralhome.com