Joyce Olivia Polscer

Joyce Olivia (Youngkins) Polscer ended her earthly journey on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Allentown PA. Born in Philadelphia PA on July 2, 1938, she was the daughter of Anna (Tretiak) Detweiler and stepdaughter of Charles "Reds" Detweiler. Joyce grew up in Allentown and spent cherished time with her grandparents in Palmerton PA. A 1956 graduate of Allentown High School, she married the love of her life, Kenneth F. Polscer, on August 8, 1958, in Yreka CA. While Ken served as a park ranger, Joyce worked as a legal secretary. The couple returned to Pennsylvania in 1959, living at Penn State while Ken pursued his master's degree in Horticulture and Forestry Services and Joyce worked in the Civil Engineering Department. In 1961, they returned to Allentown and, two years later, purchased their lifelong home on S. Poplar St. where they lived for six decades before moving to Phoebe Allentown in 2023. Joyce's career as a legal secretary spanned many years. She worked at Air Products, later supported attorney and dear friend, Anthony Muir, and ultimately served as executive legal secretary to Judge Carol McGinley at the Lehigh County Courthouse until her retirement in 1998. Her most treasured roles, however, were as a devoted wife as well as mother to sons David (adopted in 1966) and Michael (adopted in 1967). Gifted with a sharp wit and lively intellect, Joyce brought joy and creativity into all she did. She was a talented cook and baker and was proud of her extensive collection of cookbooks and aprons. An accomplished seamstress, she made clothing for her family and delighted in crafts of all kinds, including stained glass and oil painting. Joyce found peace tending gardens with her brother Herb and walking the woods near the family cabin in the Poconos. In retirement, she especially enjoyed aquatic exercise with her swim club ladies and took inspiration from The Food Network for her own kitchen expressions. Joyce is survived by her husband of 67 years, Kenneth F. Polscer, her sons, David Polscer, of Jacksonville FL, and Michael Polscer and his husband, David Simmons, of Wilmington DE, and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Youngkins, of Allentown. Visitation will be held Friday, October 3rd, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at HEINTZELMAN – STEPHENS FUNERAL HOME, P. C., 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown, followed by a brief time of prayer and remembrance with the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joyce's memory to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation (850 S. Fifth St., Allentown PA 18103).