Joyce T. Hatch

BRADFORD, VT - Joyce Shirley Hatch Passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026.

Shirley as she was called was born on March 12, 1935, to Leo and Thelma (Dunham) Taylor. Shirley graduated from Bradford Academy in the class of 1953.

After school she worked at the Chimes Restaurant before marrying Alan Howard Hatch on June 5, 1954. They made their home on Goshen Road in Bradford in the early 60's where they bought the family farm from Howards parents.

They had three children Micheal, Peter and Pamela and they owned and operated the farm. Shirley enjoyed her sheep and taking care of large gardens where she did all the canning and pickling from her vegetables.

In the spring they would sugar and had many customers that bought their syrup. Shirley made maple crème, in which Mr. Mallory would tell her it's the best he ever tasted.

In the early 80's they sold the farm and moved to Fairground Road where they made their home. Shirley went to work at Copelands Furniture where she worked for many years. By now they had three grandsons which they enjoyed very much, Ryan and Jeremy Hatch and Dana Hartley. Shirley and Howard both enjoyed going to sports events the boys played, watching Dana show cattle, apple picking in the fall, Christmas at grammies house and many sleepovers.

Shirley is survived by her children Pamela Hatch Hartley and her husband Ernie. Peter Hatch and his wife Leanne. Her grandchildren Ryan and Jillian Hatch of West Fairlee, VT. Jeremy and Mollie Hatch of Bradford, VT, and Dana and Jasmine Hartley of Piermont, NH. Also, her great grandchildren Bryson and Finely Hatch, Hayden and Easton Hatch, Aspen, Lane, and Dawson Hartley.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, her son Michael Hatch, husband Howard Hatch and brothers Marvin, Leo, Dale, David and Paul Taylor and her sister Barbra (Taylor) Kinghorn.

A private graveside service will be held at the Sawyer Cemetery in Bradford VT.

The family would like to thank the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care for their wonderful care and compassion shown not only to Shirley but to all her family.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain, Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com