Joyce Cargle

Joyce Cargle, 57, passed away peacefully at her home in Summit, NJ on December 4, 2025. Born in Wayne, NJ to the late Edward and Phyllis Wilson, she had lived in Cranford and Plainfield before settling in Summit, where she built meaningful connections and a life filled with purpose.
For more than 30 years, Joyce was an active and valued member of Community Access Unlimited (CAU). She was a respected employee on the Cleaning Crew, but her presence within the organization extended far beyond her work. Joyce was a natural advocate-strong, intelligent, and deeply compassionate. She honed her advocacy skills as a 1997 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking (PIP) program through the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, an experience that helped shape the powerful voice she would carry throughout her life.
Joyce served proudly as Sergeant at Arms of the Helping Hands Advocacy Group and was an active member of The New American Movement for People With Disabilities. She completed an eight-week mentorship training and graduated from the Sid Katz Mentorship Program, roles she embraced with enthusiasm and dedication. Her advocacy brought her into meaningful conversations with Governor Murphy, Senators, Assembly members, and Freeholders. She attended countless conferences and trainings, always eager to learn, educate, and make change. One of her proudest accomplishments was contributing to a resolution, signed by Mayor Bollwage and the Elizabeth City Council, declaring March as Disability Awareness Month in the City of Elizabeth.
Joyce's commitment to self-advocacy and advocacy for others was unwavering. Through the opportunities she embraced at CAU, she developed valuable employment skills and became a fierce supporter of fairness, dignity, and inclusion. She was passionate about helping people, always speaking up not just for individuals with disabilities, but for anyone who needed a voice. In recognition of her extraordinary efforts, Joyce was honored twice with the Colleen Frazier Award for Advocacy.
Beyond her accomplishments, Joyce will be remembered for the joy she brought into everyday life. She loved going out with her friends, attending recreational events, traveling, and shopping with her staff. One of her greatest delights was performing in CAU plays, where her bright spirit always shined. Despite the challenges she faced, Joyce never let anything break her. Her strength, resilience, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A service for Joyce will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 11 AM at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood. Interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge will follow privately.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and advocacy. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.