Joyce P. Whalen

Joyce Pauline Whalen, of New Hartford, lovingly known as "Dolly," passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Elmira, NY, on June 18, 1930, she was the daughter of Paul Edwin Lucas and Rena Matilda Lucas (Wandscheer). Dolly grew up in Lowville, NY, attended Lowville Academy, and graduated from Eastman Dental School in Rochester, NY, becoming a dental hygienist in 1951. Dolly first met William J. "Bill" Whalen in high school French class, where he convinced her to do his French homework. They became sweethearts and married on May 29, 1954. They enjoyed 54 years of inseparable companionship and lived in twelve locations due to Bill's service in the U.S. Army, followed by his career with the NY Telephone Co. With each move, Dolly set up a new home and established new friendships while raising her children. After retirement, Dolly and Bill traveled between Naples, Florida, and Bolton Landing, New York, building lasting friendships wherever they went. Following Bill's passing in 2008, Dolly continued to nurture her family, celebrating the marriages of her grandchildren and welcoming each of her great-grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Dolly was devoted to her family and enjoyed gardening, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and cheering for the Buffalo Bills and the Syracuse University basketball teams. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and kindness. She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Bob Simpson) of New Hartford, NY; her son, Michael (Suzanne Whalen) of Bellingham, WA; her grandchildren, Nicole (Kevin McKenna), Stephen (Katie Simpson), Scott Simpson (Shea Gordon) and Adrian Turnbull (Brandy Donofrio); and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Nolan McKenna, Emily and Abigail Simpson, Lacy Simpson and Malcolm Turnbull. Dolly also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Joan Whalen of Goodyear, AZ; and nine nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bill; parents; and brother-in-law, Dominic Whalen Jr. Dolly will be deeply missed as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Bill after 17 years, and we can hear him saying, "Doll, what took you so long?" A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford. Interment will be held at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on November 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online Donations - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are with the Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., New Hartford. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce P. (Lucas) Whalen, please visit our floral store.