Joyce Eileen Abbott

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Joyce Abbott, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 90 surrounded by her family.
Joyce Eileen McCoppen was born in Teaneck, NJ in 1935 to John and Marie McCoppen. She grew up in Pequannock, NJ where she met her husband, David Abbott. She and David were married for 64 wonderful years. They lived their lives under full sail, traveling with their children, friends and family to multiple places in their various boats. From New England to the British Virgin Islands, life was one big adventure. She took life's ups and downs in stride and taught her daughters to do the same.
Joyce was an active member of her community in Milton NJ, where she volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader for all four of her daughters, was an active Jefferson Twp High School Band Parent and used her multiple creative skills as a member of the Milton United Methodist Church to run the annual bazaar. She also worked many years for the Jefferson Twp Water Department.
Upon retirement, Joyce and Dave moved to Burgess, VA where they built their dream house and lived for more than 40 years enjoying the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and Great Wicomico River. Joyce continued her involvement in the community by joining the local quilting club, book club, and being active in the Fairfields United Methodist Church. Joyce was the Secretary of the Great Wicomico Cruising Club, where she and Dave were active members for more than 20 years. Joyce remained an honorary member until her passing. Joyce was also a staunch supporter of the Nutshell pram racers (since Dave built and raced an original) and spent many Friday afternoons cheering them on as well as organizing get togethers. She also donated her time being a docent at the Reedville Fishermen's Museum.
Joyce always had an open door and welcoming smile for family and friends. Her home was a place of summer vacations and joyful holidays where many cherished memories were made.
Joyce is survived by her brother, Jack McCoppen, sister, Betty Williams and four children: Joy (William) Hendershot and their sons Adam and Dustin; Sharon Collins; Merry (Rich) Barrieres and her daughters Caitlin and Alicia McCarthy; and Ellen (Robert) Sagan and their children Michael, Joseph and Jennifer; plus two great grandchildren. We will miss her deeply, but we are comforted by the many memories she gave us.
The family plans to hold a celebration of life in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reedville Fishermen's Museum through their website at https://www.rfmuseum.org.
"Like a ship that sails into the setting sun, Our loved ones depart when their time is done. But as they sail beyond the horizon's reach, Their presence lingers, within our hearts, each." Robert Frost