Joyce L. Esmus

Joyce L. Esmus 67, wife of Allan T. Esmus of 510 Fourth St., Towanda, Pa., passed away Friday, May 16, 2008, at Memorial Hospital, Towanda, Pa., following a courageous battle with cancer.

Joyce was born on June 29, 1940, in Towanda, the daughter of Charles and Mary Clark Heskell. Joyce was employed by the Towanda Area School District in Wysox, Pa., for 10 years and was also employed by the Dandy Mini Mart on Main Street in Towanda for 10 years until declining health no longer permitted her to continue.

She was a member of the Towanda American Legion Post No. 42 Auxiliary.

Joyce enjoyed crocheting and will be remembered by her family and many friends for her generosity and selflessness.

Surviving are: her husband, Allan, whom she married in August of 1956; sons: Allan T. Esmus Jr. and his wife, Sherri, of Dunmore, Pa., and Chris Esmus and his wife, Patti, of Towanda; grandchildren, Maureen, Maximillian and Karen Esmus; sister Arlene Swingle and her husband, Bill Swingle, of Homets Ferry, Pa.; brother Harold Heskell and his wife, Peggy Heskell, of Liberty Corners, Pa.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her infant children, Ronald and Karen Esmus; sister Barbara Vermuelen; and brothers Howard, Clyde and George Heskell.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Rome Cemetery, Rome, Pa.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Bradford Unit, 1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, Pa. 17701-3945, in Joyce's memory.