Joyce Marie Hildreth

Joyce Marie Hildreth, 65, of Chapel Place, entered into eternal life with the Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at the Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with her loving family at her side. Born on September 22, 1943 in Amsterdam, she was the daughter of the late Leroy and Evelyn (Schubert) Tesiero of Amsterdam. Joyce was also predeceased by a sister, Donna, who died at birth in 1947. A lifelong area resident, Joyce was a graduate of the Wilbur H. Lynch High School and the Albany Business College. She worked for AT&T, Bell Atlantic, and Verizon until her retirement in 1999. After retirement, Joyce enjoyed volunteering her time at St. Mary's Church, St. Mary's Rectory and St. Mary's Institute as a religious educational instructor. She also took this time to help take care of her grandson Marshall, which was a time that she truly cherished. Joyce was a member of the Secular Discalced Carmelite Order and the Oblates of the precious Blood and dedicated her life to our Lord through prayer, sacrifice and service. Joyce always dedicated her life to her family. Her happiest times were when the whole family got together and she was able to cook and bake for all of us. She enjoyed cheering on her children and grandchildren in sporting events and educational pursuits. She loved animals, especially horses, and looked forward to her yearly ventures to Saratoga Race track where she would often arrive early in the morning to watch the horses' warm-up. Survivors include her loving husband of 47 years, Jon Paul Hildreth; her beloved children, Jon (Kimberly) Hildreth, Anita (Arthur) Filbeck, Roger (Christina) Hildreth, Elizabeth (Brian) Mack and Joseph Hildreth; her grandchildren, Roger Hildreth, Jr., Melissa Hildreth, Peter Hildreth, Arthur Filbeck, Jr., Danielle Filbeck and Marshall Hildreth; her brother, Keith (Lorie) Tesiero; her Aunt Janet Tesiero; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. Joyce also leaves behind her loving Australian dog, Shepp. Joyce was faced with many adversities throughout her life, especially with her health, but her courageous and positive attitude was a beacon of faith and strength to all of us. She never complained or felt sorry for herself and it is this amazing strength and faith that we reflect on as we remember the amazing life she led. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2009, at 8:15 a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, East Main Street, Amsterdam, with the Rev. John Medwid as celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Fort Johnson. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. The Secular Carmelites will gather Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home to pray The Office Of The Dead for their departed sister. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Mary's Church Memorial Fund or to St. Mary's Institute, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please sign Joyce's guest book on line at www.brbsfuneral. com.