Joyce M. Brown

Schenectady – Joyce M. Brown, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6th, 2023.

Joyce was born in Johnstown, New York, to her parents the late Edward W. Shirkey and Marie L. (Ruback) Shirkey.

She was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School and worked for over 30 years as a business office representative at the New York Telephone Company.

Joyce was an independent and social person. She enjoyed world travel, playing cards, reading, her daily crossword puzzles and volunteering. Joyce gave much of her time to many local organizations, including several committees at Kingsway’s Parkland Gardens where she resided over the past few years.

Her favorite way to spend her time though, was with her family. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always up for a family party or picnic.

Joyce was predeceased in 2002 by her husband, Arthur Brown and also by her sister, Elizabeth Jones.

She leaves behind her devoted children, Pamela Bezek (Joseph), Jeffrey Brown (Laura) and Laurie Babcock (Robert); her grandchildren, Nicholas Bezek (Genna), Adam Bezek (Megan), Michael Brown (Kristy), Jennifer Baker (Spencer) and Christian Cianflone. She also leaves behind 8 great-grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15th from 8:45-9:45am at St. Gabriel’s Church, 3040 Hamburg Street in Rotterdam. A funeral mass will follow at 10am. Joyce will be laid to rest with her husband, Arthur, at Schenectady Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.