Joyce Ann Bartholomew

Obituary for Joyce (Irey) Bartholomew (1935 - 2025)

It is with deep sadness that Joyce's family announces her passing on August 15, 2025 at 90 years of age. She is survived by her brother, Paul (Annette); her nephews, Rock, Stone, Scott, and John ; her children, Vince (Cindy), Andy (Marge), and Sheryl; her grandchildren, Crystal, Mark Jr., Taylor, Kylie, Torre, Hope, and Paige; and her great-grandchildren, Aiden and Raegan.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan to Mildred (Trout) Irey and Paul Vincent Irey. Joyce was the life of every party. Her quick humor, infectious laugh and amazing artistic talent charmed and entertained everyone she met. While Joyce was attending nursing school in Cincinnati, OH, she went with girlfriends on holiday to Miami where she met the love of her life, Jerry Bartholomew. Joyce and Jerry married in April 1956. We often thought that if she hadn't married Jerry, she would have married Santa Claus because if you know Joyce, she WAS Mrs. Christmas.

Joyce earned her RN degree 1957, in which she took great pride. In the 1970s, they settled for a long period in Setauket, NY where Joyce worked as Head Nurse for Dr. X. Damianos for over 20 years.

Joyce and Jerry created a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter and children. Jerry introduced Joyce to camping and traveling throughout the United States. Moving frequently for Jerry's job, Joyce made beautiful homes wherever they went. She had a passion for interior decorating and a natural talent for it. Her artistic flair truly came to life in this area and later expanded into painting beautiful nature scenes with acrylics and crafting award-winning quilts. Competing in Florida, she earned blue ribbons even against tough competition. Joyce was also a proud member of the Wild Turkeys quilting club in Florida, whom she considered her second family.

One of Joyce's many talents was knitting amazing Christmas stockings with motifs of Santa and other winter scenes and animals, and every one of her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and others significant in her life received a personally knitted Christmas stocking.

Every time the family gets together, the good-time stories come out by the dozen-and Joyce was always front and center, loving every minute as a self-appointed (and undefeated) family storyteller. This is the legacy of a life well-lived, and of a woman who was deeply loved and will forever be treasured. There are not enough adjectives to describe Joyce's personality; vivacious, spirited, creative, sassy, etc. Joyce was a light in our lives and will be greatly missed. We love you dearly and will keep you in our hearts forever.

To honor Joyce's memory, please share your stories with her family, plant something in your garden in her memory, or hug your family.