Joyce Richardson Dion

Joyce Richardson Dion, age 74, born March 29, 1951 of Sharon, VT. passed away February 9, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, VT., after a brief illness. She is survived by her loving husband Robert T. Dion, of Sharon, VT., son Noah Dion (Ashley) of Royalton, VT., daughter Rajana Dion of Sharon, VT., brother and sister-in-law Paul and Joan Richardson of New Hartford, CT., many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce is predeceased by her father Raymond Richardson, mother Helen Richardson of Southington, CT., and twin sister Jean R. Konon of West Hartford, CT.


Joyce was a loving, supportive mother and enjoyed spending time with her family and children, always making the time to be with them. She greatly enjoyed playing the piano, listening to classical music, sightseeing and traveling, birdwatching and relaxing by the ocean. She was passionate about knitting, sewing, and fiber arts, as well as many other hobbies and interests. She received a master's degree and spent many years as a dedicated teacher specializing in early-childhood education, a licensed clinical social worker, president of UNAP local chapter 5051 from 2005-2016, and mental health advocate. She began her own private practice, Synergy Psychotherapeutics in the summer of 2018. Joyce took great pride in her work. She was an advocate of wildlife conservation, and loved to go for walks in the woods. She was a registrar, nature specialist, and taught nature studies at Camp Downer in Sharon, VT., each summer for many years, making many life-long friends along the way, and was genuinely thrilled to be a part of the community.


Joyce and her husband Robert "Bob" of Barre, VT., returned to the state in 1984 where they settled down and built a home full of love to raise their family. She knew she had found home in Sharon and loved the simplicity and pace of rural living. She is dearly missed, and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, activism, and mentorship. A scholarship program at Camp Downer in Sharon, VT., will be set up in her honor, with more information on their website to follow. A celebration of life with a springtime memorial service will be arranged by immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Camp Downer scholarship program or other charitable organizations.