Obituary of Joyce Natalie Grey

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother Joyce Natalie Grey on Saturday evening March 2, 2019.  She died peacefully and comfortably in Apple Rehab in Old Saybrook. CT after a very short stay there.  She was a lady of spirit and humor and will be immensely missed by all she touched. She was an enduring soul and battled to the end always retaining her dignity.  She was 93 years old.  Joyce was born October 29, 1925, the middle daughter of three girls, to Rodney and Edna Patterson of Hastings on the Hudson and Yonkers, New York. She and her sisters remained very close throughout their lives. Those in the know referred to them as “The Gabor Sisters”.  Smart, creative and personable she studied art at Syracuse University with the goal of being a teacher. In 1947, she met and married Berkely Grey of Purdy’s New York.  Together they started their life together and welcomed two children into the world: daughter Suzanne and son Randall. Joyce and Berkley enjoyed a loving marriage for 67 years. She was a passionate and dedicated mother, sister, friend and grandparent who worked tirelessly as a member of the North Salem NY school district, its PTA, and as a member of the Purdy’s Methodist Church and choir for many years.  There was not a little league game, school performance or covered dish supper she ever missed.  In addition, she was a fabulous cook and not afraid to experiment with various cuisines. After retiring from the North Salem Public School System where she worked for 17 years, she and Berkely moved to sunny Englewood, Florida where they lived for 20 years.  They returned to the Northeast in 2010 and lived the remainder of their lives in Old Saybrook, CT.  Joyce loved music (DeBussy in particular) and to read, cook and converse.  In her time, she was athletic, a quick study and to the end was never at a loss for the sharp and poignant comment. She is survived by her children Suzanne of Old Saybrook, Randy and daughter in law Lori of San Francisco and her beloved grand children Elliot (23), Haley (21), and her sister Connie of Old Saybrook. My word, she will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held on a date in late summer 2019. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Berk and Joyce Grey.