Joyce Bascom

1933 - 2024

Bascom, Joyce
RENSSELAER - Joyce Ann Ellis Bascom, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024, in hospice care with family. Joyce was born in Alstead, N.H., on April 20, 1933, to Gilman and Grace Ellis. She grew up in Alstead, N.H., and graduated from Vilas High School in 1951 and the University of New Hampshire in 1955 with a degree in Social Work.
She was married for 60 years to the love of her life, Paul Frost Bascom, who passed away in 2015. They lived in several places including Ore., and Md. – eventually settling in Defreestville, N.Y. in 1972.
Joyce worked at a home for girls in Ore., and later for Equinox Youth Shelter in downtown Albany. She was also an active volunteer; teaching decision-making to inmates in prison, volunteering with the Red Cross, Traveler's Aid, and Planned Parenthood. Joyce was an advocate for peace and social justice, and worked tirelessly for the rights of all people, with a special focus on equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Joyce was a woman of Christian faith. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Albany for more than 50 years; she was ordained as an Elder and was chair of the More Light Committee, working to build inclusion in the Presbyterian church. She was an active member in the Albany Presbytery promoting social justice locally and in N.Y.S. In June of 2008, Joyce was awarded the James and Pearl Campbell Peace and Justice Award by The Capital Area Council of Churches.
Above all, Joyce was kind to everyone. People felt comfortable talking to her, even if they didn't know her. She would never say she was too busy or turn them away – she would engage. She loved helping people whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers.
Anyone who knew Joyce also knows about her love of horses. She has always been a horse-girl since her father got her that first pony as a child. She shared this love with her daughter, Karen - and they spent many hours riding together. At the age of 84, many years after her last horse had passed away, Joyce got "back on the horse" - taking riding lessons once a week in Schodack.
Joyce lived in gratitude. Simple principles were her guide; be kind to others, treat all people with respect, be honest, listen actively, live life with joy, be thankful – and go horseback riding whenever you can.
Joyce is survived by her daughter and her husband, Karen and Keith Paul; her son and his wife, Brian and Ruth Bascom; her brother and his wife, Harold and Judith Ellis; and a wonderful abundance of nieces and nephews.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Paul Bascom; grandson, Christopher Bascom; brothers-in-law, and their wives, Rodney (Frances) Bascom, Kenneth (Ruth, Laura) Bascom, Eric (Francis, Beth) Bascom; sister-in-law, Shirley and her husband, Charles (Chick) Powers, nephews, Joseph Bascom and Peter Kropp; and nieces, Maureen Bascom and Beth Bascom (apologies if I've left anyone out – I know there are more).
Joyce has made an anatomical gift to the Albany Medical College.
SERVICES: A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 362 State St., Albany, N.Y. 12210, on Saturday, October 12, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception afterward. City parking is available in Washington Park, on surrounding streets and in local lots.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to one of the following organizations in her memory: First Presbyterian Church of Albany, Equinox, Capital Pride Center.