Joyce Elaine Schumacher

Joyce Elaine Schumacher (nee Morris) passed away on May 12, 2024 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, NY, where she received excellent and loving care. She was 83 years old.

Born on December 28, 1940, in Burkburnett, TX, she started her family living on her grandfather's farm surrounded by animals. When she was still in grade school, her family moved to the small town of Velma, Oklahoma, where her father worked for a local oil refinery. She met her husband of 62 years at the University of Oklahoma in a class on Public Speaking. They married in June of 1961. Joyce followed her husband to Nebraska, where he attended seminary, and then to White Plains, NY, where her husband, Reverend Doctor Frederick J. Schumacher, served as pastor at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church for over 40 years.

Joyce took her role as a pastor's wife seriously and was deeply involved in the church's community and ministry. She started a daycare at the church in the early years and was actively involved in the Women's group, the Bible study, and the church nursery program. Additionally, Joyce served as her husband's trusted editor for his many publications and articles, including helping him edit and type his doctoral dissertation in the days before word processors. As one of the church youth group advisors, she was affectionately nicknamed "the Sergeant" by the Luther Leaguers, a name she wore with pride.

Joyce worked as a dental hygienist before her marriage and as an administrative assistant for several Westchester County business and doctors' offices. While the small town she came from hoped she would attend medical school and stay in Oklahoma, she decided her family was the most important thing to her. Joyce was a strict but loving mother to her three children: Frederick Eugene, John Frederick, and Joy Elaine. She devoted her life to being a champion for and caring for her eldest son, Frederick, who was disabled. Her care for "Freddy" led her to become a leader in the movement to advocate for equal education for people with disabilities in New York, being a champion not only for her son but also for others.

In retirement, Joyce and Fred moved to Manchester Township, NJ, where she enjoyed playing Bocce, participated in their local neighborhood social group with dear friends, and hosted a legendary annual Halloween and New Year's Eve party.

A frequent traveler, Joyce saw much of the world alongside her husband. They also enjoyed boating along the Hudson River in the summertime. She enjoyed quilting, collecting Hummels and swans, working on crossword puzzles, and spoiling her three grandchildren. She enjoyed watching baseball on TV while reading the newspaper, but one better not disturb her on Saturdays during college football season, as she was a devoted Oklahoma Sooners fan.

Joyce is survived by her son, John Schumacher, of Purchase, NY, and his children, John Taylor and Emma Tomiko; her daughter, Joy Schumacher, of Malmö, Sweden; and Joy's husband, Anders Larsson, and their son, Liam Morris Larsson. She is predeceased by her husband, the Reverend Frederick J. Schumacher; her son, Frederick Eugene Schumacher; her brother, Jerry Don Morris; her sister, Judy Wright; and her parents, Arvell and Gladys Morris. Instead of flowers, please make donations to either Calvary Hospital or the Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center:

https://fund.calvaryhospital.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/

https://silverbay.org/donate/