Joyce B. Bennett

Joyce B. Bennett lifelong resident of Trumansburg passed away peacefully at Hospicare surrounded by family on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the age of 83.

Joyce was born on September 2, 1930, a daughter of the late Homer and Ethel (Leonard) Bower. She attended Trumansburg Schools and graduated in 1947. Joyce had a 33 year career with Verizon working as a dial service clerk until her retirement in 1985. Upon retiring, Joyce spent time traveling throughout the United States with her husband, Thomas Bennett. Always an active member of the Trumansburg community, she volunteered and was a member of Pioneers of America, Podunk Home Dem, American Legion Post 770 Ladies Auxiliary, St. James Women’s Guild, Ulysses Historical Society, Gemm Shop, Trumansburg Food Pantry, Trumansburg Senior Citizens, and the Trumansburg Fair Association.

She was a lifelong gardener and enjoyed baking delicious treats. Joyce was always putting family and friends before herself. She had a unique way of forming special bonds with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her patience, kindness, and generosity will be missed by her family, friends, and community.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas Bennett of Trumansburg; two children, Marcie (Val) Gray of New Windsor and Rockie (Kim) Bennett of Pottstown, PA; three grandchildren, Elicia (Matt) Ozimek, Erika Gray, and Rebecca (Tom) Kavanagh; two great grandchildren, Olivia and Erik Ozimek; two sisters, Donna (Jim) Andersen and Cindy (Albert) Smith; sister in law, Rhoda Bower; brothers in law, Robert Bennett and Don (Marge) Bennett; aunt, Hope Bower; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by a brother, Keith Bower; two sisters in law, Connie Bennett and Audrey Ball; and a brother in law, Bob Ball.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 27 at St. James Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street, Trumansburg. A reception will immediately follow at American Legion Post 770. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Joyce’s memory to kindly consider Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Ulysses Historical Society, PO Box 455, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or the American Legion Post 770, PO Box 456, Trumansburg, NY 1486.