Joyce Mary Sustar

Joyce Mary (Hekker) Sustar Martucci
May 14 th , 1934 – March 26, 2026

Saratoga Springs, New York – Joyce Sustar Martucci entered the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, surrounded by her beloved angels.
Joyce was a blessing to every person she encountered, encouraging them to find their guardian angels, understand and accept the relentless love of Jesus and was devoted to Our Blessed Mother Mary. She was a treasured daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, volunteer, teacher and parishioner.

Joyce was born in Jersey City, NJ and grew up in North Arlington, NJ. Upon graduation from Queen of Peace High School in 1952, Joyce entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, PA. Her religious name became Sister Michael Marguerite. She received her bachelor's degree in 1961 from Chestnut Hill College and her master’s degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1975. Sister Michael Marguerite taught 4 th and 9 th grades from 1952 to 1974 throughout the Philadelphia area. In 1974 she became principal of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Roxboro, PA. In 1975, Joyce left the convent.

From 1975 to 1977, Joyce worked for the American Ethnic Foundation in Washington, DC.

Joyce returned to teaching from 1977 through 1996 in VA and MD.
She retired from teaching in June of 1996.

The summer of 1971, Joyce had a grant to an International Studies Institute where she met Colonel Jaro Sustar, the Deputy Director of the institute. The two became good friends. It was during her time working with the American Ethnic Foundation that the friendship turned into a love story. The two married on April 23 rd , 1977, in Arlington, VA. Over the course of their marriage, Jaro was the sun and moon to Joyce, and those feelings were reciprocated by Jaro as is evidenced by the 938 love notes from him she treasured. Jaro passed away November 6, 1988.

Soon after Joyce retired from teaching, she relocated to Saratoga Springs, New York. In 2001, Joyce met and married Frank Martucci. They enjoyed only one year together before Frank became ill and passed away in 2002.

Joyce was a long-time parishioner of St. Peters Church, Saratoga Springs, NY and was one of the “Eight O ’Clockers”, attending daily Mass followed by coffee and sweets with her dear friends. When she was no longer able to drive, she enjoyed joining her niece, Joyce Rice, and family at St. Joseph’s Church, Greenfield Center, NY where she immediately expanded her fan club. In 2022, Joyce moved to the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs. The community and staff welcomed her with open arms. Before long everyone knew her name and generosity of spirit.

Joyce was predeceased by her beloved sister Janet Gibbs, brothers Thomas Hekker (Clair) John (Jack) Hekker, nephew Kevin Gibbs, husbands Jaro Sustar and Frank Martucci. She is survived by her sister Justine Brundage (Le Roy), 21 nieces and nephews including her namesake Joyce Mary Rice (Philip), great nieces and nephews. Three of whom were her pride and joy: Preston Rice, Liam Rice and Aidan Rice. As well as precious great-great nephews and nieces.

Joyce has left a legacy of love, countless prayers, unlimited kindness and compassion. She will be sorely missed by so many.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 25 th at 1:00PM at St. Joseph’sChurch, Greenfield Center, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 1225 (Community Hospice
Offering support and care for people with a life-limiting illness)

Or
The Giving Circle, PO Box 3162, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (The Giving Circle, Inc. –
Selfless acts of kindness and compassion)www.thegivingcircle.org)