Joyce M. "Sappy" Siegel

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Syracuse University University at Buffalo

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Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service - Charlotte

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Charlotte, North Carolina

Joyce Siegel Obituary

Joyce M. Siegel, 95, a Montessori teacher, avid sailor, swimmer, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Charlotte, Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Joyce and her husband, Marvin moved to Charlotte to live at Aldersgate on her 90th birthday and she loved her time there. She made many fast friends, enjoyed playing bridge, participating in book club, swimming, and serving as a reading buddy for Windsor Park Elementary School. She remained an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan.

Joyce Sapowitch Siegel, "Sappy," was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She earned her bachelor's degree at Syracuse University and a Master of Education at SUNY Buffalo. An early advocate of the Montessori method of education, Joyce spent twenty years working as a teacher in Buffalo.

Joyce was also a dedicated community volunteer. She worked to help open Palliative Care in Buffalo and volunteered at B'nai B'rith. She was a longtime volunteer for her local Board of Elections. A proud Democrat, Joyce believed in the power of the vote.

Joyce resided in Buffalo until her retirement, when she and Marvin embarked on 15 years of sailing in the Bahamas on their boat, the Blythe Spirit. A natural athlete who loved swimming, sailing, golfing, and spearfishing, Joyce relished her years at sea. She and Marvin often capped each day by raising the cocktail flag at 5 pm.

Joyce was known for her ready smile and immensely kind nature. Although she faced considerable adversity in her life-including the deaths of two adult children, Mark Siegel and Susan Siegel, and bouts with breast cancer-Joyce never complained about her losses and navigated life with tremendous positivity.

In addition to her husband of 73 years, Joyce is survived by her son, Richard Siegel and his wife, Cindy of Seabrook Island, S.C., daughter, Marcie Shealy and her husband, Torrence of Charlotte, and seven grandchildren; Jeffrey Siegel, James Siegel and his husband, Basil, Max Siegel, Gilson Siegel, Benjamin Siegel, Trevor Shealy and Grace Shealy.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Asbury and Aldersgate for their kindness.

Charitable contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to Aldersgate Guardian Angel Fund; 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, N.C.28215 or https://aldersgateccrc.com/philanthropy

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Siegel

2 Entries

Cathy Parker

January 11, 2021

Oh my heart....where do l begin? My prayers are with Marv and his children. Several years ago my company had a volunteer event at Aldersgate. I participated in the Watermelon Party that day and had the absolute blessing of meeting the most delightful couple- Marv and Joyce. At the time, they were excited to tell me they just celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. I jokingly asked them if they were married at 12 because I didn't believe they were as old as they said. They laughed. I asked permission to sit and chat with them, not wanting to spoil their date. They lovingly invited me to join them. I began to learn about their background. After a wonderful visit, they thanked me and left. I can't describe how amazing it was to talk with them, learn of their lives and be graced with their kindness. As l left the building and sat in my car l realized I might never see them again and I began weeping. I purposed to become a regular volunteer and find them again. I did just that. Our reunion was sweet and they invited me several times to join them for dinner or visit with them in their apartment. Marv was an amazing artist and Joyce spoke of years working as a teacher. They spoke about life on a boat for several years and shared about their children and grandchildren, even speaking of the heartache of losing two children. They always wanted to know about me and my children and wished for me to find a great love someday after living through some heartache of my own. I volunteered running Saturday BINGO and would often come on Friday nights to sing hymns with the residents. Joyce and Marv would come sing sometimes. They loved the music. Before the pandemic l had spoken to Joyce on the phone and learned that Marv was in special care to regain his strength and health. I told her I would visit him and l did. We had the best time. I remember telling him l would come soon to see him again but with the pandemic came the notice that all volunteering was suspended due to COVID-19. NO one expected it would last thus long and l had been hoping and praying to soon return and reunite with my precious friends. I wish l had called or emailed to check in with them periodically. I'm saddened to lose such a sweet and precious friend. God blessed me when He allowed me to cross paths with the Siegels and I'm so blessed for the window of time l had with Joyce. What a beautiful soul. I will dearly miss her.

Ellen G. Bleichfeld

September 20, 2020

What a wonderful women was Joyce! I so enjoyed knowing her as my cousin!! My sympathy and love to her family.

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