Joyce Pleu Schiff

Joyce Pleu Schiff April 9, 1962- March 28, 2026

I read an article July2024 that it was trending that people write their own obituary, or autobituary, and I thought that was interesting. I want to spare my loved ones sitting around a table and filling out a form when they are grieving!

So, always willing to try new things (not food), I thought I would give it a whirl!

My name is Joyce Pleu Schiff. I was born Joyce Marie Pleu in Pittsfield Mass on April 9th, 1962 to William J and Florence B Pleu of Lee. Nothing new for them, I was number five. I had the quintessential Berkshire upbringing. I went to Elementary and Jr High at St Mary's Parochial School in Lee and then to Lee High School, graduating in 1980. I played on many sports teams, enjoyed art, music, sewing, Quiz Team and normal high school experiences.

After graduating I went on to North Adams State College where I continued my academic and athletic career. NASC is also where I locked eyes with a young man that became my heart, the love of my life and soulmate, Andrew Schiff from Wayland, Mass. Andrew and I made a comfortable life together, marrying in 1983. I worked for Raytheon Company for 39 years, retiring in 2020. Yes, it was work, but I also made lifelong friends there. I was very proud of the work we did at Raytheon, especially to help the Warfighters get what they needed to keep them, and us free and safe.

I have had a fantastic life. Together we were blessed with many wonderfully cool nieces and nephews, and now many greats, who I adored and loved to be around whenever possible. Pleu parties were the best. If there wasn't dancing, there was always cards, games, and a ton of stories and laughter. We worked very hard for many years, but played just as hard. Andrew and I went to some great places and did many fun things. We travelled many places domestically, as well as the Caribbean and Europe. We played a ton of golf together, skiing in the Tetons, kisses at the top of the Eiffel Tower, visited lots of casinos, climbed things, zipped down lines, jumped out of perfectly good planes and much more. We had many card parties and adventures with with our longtime friends, The 6 Pk+. I was happiest with Andrew, surrounded by friends and family.

Since retiring, we have spent the winters in Naples, Florida. More wonderful people were met there. I learned to play Pickleball, which was my new passion! We had hoped to continue to push the envelope through our golden years, but then cancer decided to change the narrative. Once diagnosed in 2019, life changed dramatically. Andrew became my personal chef, maid, chauffeur, grounds keeper, pool man and exemplary caregiver. The man is a saint! I never went to an appointment or treatment alone. And many can attest.

We met a lot of people and made many friends along the way, some now considered family…you are all pieces of my abundant life quilt, and I thank you for making it so cozy. I hope in my lifetime I was able to be a good wife, Auntie, loyal friend, dependable employee, a good listener, hostess for parties and organizer of shenanigans. My wish would be to be remembered for the ability to make people laugh, smile or have a kind word or action.

Beside Andrew, I leave my six siblings, F. Jane Barbini (Richard) of Southwick, Ma., Junie Pleu (Shelly) of Canton, Ga, Robin Brown (David) of Lee, Ma., Colleen Tomlinson (Earl-deceased 2023) of Mildred, Pa., Mikki Thomoson ( Tim)of Friendship, Me., and June Mullen (Stephen) of Petosky, MI. My brother-in-law Jonathan Schiff (Cookie) of Andover, Ma., Sister-in-laws, Debbie Robinson (Bert-deceased 2021) of Pickerington, OH, and Amy Rosse (Michael) of Marlboro, Ma. In addition, many previously mentioned nieces, nephews and greats. "We are Family" !!!

I also leave lifelong friends in the 6px+, the Ashby's and Kilduff's.

I am forever grateful to all that helped me though this journey.

Until we meet again my love.

In conclusion, I would like to thank my extraordinary team at Dana Farber, Milford Campus for years of kind, compassionate care. In particular, Dr. Humberto Rossi MD, Betsy Ryer, Janine Griffin, RN and Jennifer Halter, RN. We could not have managed through without you.

A celebration of Joyce's life will be held on Friday, April 24 from 4-7 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 3 Barber Street, Medway.

If willing and able, please make any donations to Dana Farber, 90 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757.