Joyce Schiff, 82 of New Paltz, New York passed away on Tuesday May 18, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. She and her beloved husband Donald, a professor of psychology at the college, moved to New Paltz in the 1960s to raise their family.
Born January 25, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York she was the daughter of the late Morris and Mollie (Schneider) Berger. Joyce was a first generation American and loved this country and living in New Paltz. Her active involvement in the local community includes being a Girl Scouts leader and honorary PTA member. She also volunteered her time to local organizations and institutions promoting literacy, democracy and helping families in need.
Joyce attained her master’s degree in Education from SUNY New Paltz and worked as a teacher in the local school districts and at Krissler Business Institute in Poughkeepsie. Later on, she continued to pursue her love of learning and teaching through the Lifetime Learning Institute. Joyce also continued to be active with the Faculty Wives, taking great pleasure in writing their newsletter. During her time at Woodland Ponds, she learned to play the Dulcimer and enjoyed being part of the Dulcimer club.
Joyce was very devoted to her family and found creative ways to celebrate each one’s individuality. She took great pride in their accomplishments, recognizing the highlights of each child’s year with a hand-drawn birthday poster that was prominently displayed for all to see. Joyce also made her grandchildren customized quilts and included a beautiful message from her that they will cherish forever.
Joyce was fond of jokes, jigsaw puzzles and Broadway show tunes. She also enjoyed gardening, taking walks, and spending time with her numerous friends. The pandemic made it difficult for Joyce to get together with her family but she made it a priority to keep in touch through Zoom and phone calls.
She is survived by her son, Robert Schiff of Highland Mills, NY and his children Ryan (Alicia) Schiff, Kristin Schiff and Catarina Schiff; daughter, Susan Weatherly of New Paltz, NY and her children Melissa (Chris) Gay and Pamela Weatherly; daughter, Janet (Greg) Gallent of Riverdale, NY and their children Stephanie Gallent, Julia Gallent and Daniel Gallent; son, Allen (Stacy) Schiff of Concord, NC and their children Dylan Schiff and Kylee Schiff; and two great grandchildren, Jacob Donald Gay and Kane Kingston Coalla.
Joyce also leaves behind her sisters, Diane Bloom and Cynthia Nalven, and a brother, Jeffrey Berger, as well as many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Joyce is predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Dr. Donald Schiff. The family takes great comfort in knowing that our mother and father are together in heaven and will hold them both close to our hearts forever. She will also be reunited with her parents and sister, Sandy Pakula, and many other close friends and relatives who have passed on before her.
A funeral service will be held on Friday May 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York 12561 with Rabbi Bill Strongin from the Jewish Congregation of New Paltz officiating. Burial will follow at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery, 81 Plains Road, New Paltz, New York 12561.
Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist Joyce’s family with the arrangements.
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