Patricia Joyce

1939 - 2025

Joyce, Patricia

Mar 9, 1939 - Mar 9, 2025

Age 86, passed away peacefully at home on her birthday. Patti was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y. as the eldest of four children. She was a 1956 graduate of Kenmore High School. She attended Alfred State College, N.Y., earning an A.S. in Medical Technology in 1958. She worked a decade as a medical technologist for several hospitals in the Buffalo area. She was very proud of her work, but was less excited about the field as it became more mechanized. Patti married Patrick Joyce on June 29, 1963 and they enjoyed 51+ years of marriage until his death in 2014. While in Buffalo, they welcomed three children before relocating to Dixfield in 1968, where their family grew with the addition of two more. In 1974, Patti and her family moved to Wilton, where she and Patrick lived for the rest of their lives. Patti was constantly at work and was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. Throughout the summer months, she was forever "dirty-kneed" from tending to her plants. She eagerly shared her passion for gardening with friends and neighbors, often giving away plant cuttings. In the kitchen, Patti stayed just as busy – trying new recipes, cooking enough for an army, and canning sauces, pickles and jams. Sewing and quilting were among her many talents. Countless clothes and blankets were lovingly made for her children, grandchildren, and others, with many of her homemade items being donated to churches and area shelters. A dedicated member of the Wilton community, Patti participated in Wiltona, Franklin County Quilters and attended a book club. She volunteered for various organizations, including the Lion's Club and the American Red Cross. She was a Girl Scout leader and taught Sunday School. Anyone's small children always brightened her day. Election days were a highlight for her, as she eagerly worked as a teller at the polls. Patti was a top student in her classes and was the definition of a life-long learner. Any conversation that sparked her curiosity led to a deep dive into research, resulting in a well-worn encyclopedia set. Her dedication to follow through was unmatched - she would frequently send someone newspaper clippings pertaining to their discussion. She helped with homework and was excellent at typing. A reliable source of homework help, she was also an excellent typist, though she admitted that she preferred banging on the old typewriters rather than the light touch of a modern keyboard. She enjoyed word puzzles, bird watching, and murder mysteries. When it came to games, her competitive spirit shone through, sometimes interpreting rules in original ways. Patti always took great pride in being the best mother to her children and became a surrogate mother to countless others. She was an outstanding hostess, preparing food and activities to cohost countless gatherings with her husband, Patrick. Their positive and productive spirit created a safe and welcoming environment. Bass Hill will forever be remembered by many due to their lively, often loud, celebrations. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband in his retirement years. Together they visited Ireland, Mexico, and nearly every state in the U.S. She was fond of covered bridges and especially enjoyed pulling her husband out of bars to visit ruins. She was predeceased by her husband Patrick, father Norman Fisher and mother Irene (Juda) of Buffalo, N.Y. Patti is survived by siblings, Norene Hunter of Bar Harbor, Marilyn Callisto of East Amherst N.Y., Gary Fisher and wife Kathy of Poughquag, N.Y., children, Brendan of Wilton; Deirdre of Lewiston; Kevin and wife Shelley of Farmington; Brian and wife Michele of Brunswick; Sheila Butterfield and husband Zeke of Phillips; and eight grandchildren: Benjamin, Rowan, Jacob, Jackson, Kamryn, Carter, Liam and Robert.