Obituary for Sr. Noreen Joyce
Sister Noreen Joyce, formerly Sister Emmett Frances, age 84, embraced death peacefully after a long illness on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. She was born in Syracuse, NY to Thomas Emmett Joyce and Frances O’Hern Joyce. Sister, her parents and brother, Thomas, were members of St. Michael Parish in Central Square, NY. She attended St. Joseph Grammar School and graduated from the Convent School in Syracuse, NY. It was during those years that Sister acquired a deep love for and appreciation of the Franciscan Sisters who had taught and cared for her. In 1954 she was happily accepted into religious life, after which she continued her education, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from SUNY in Buffalo, NY.
Sister’s teaching career ranged from elementary education in schools in the Diocese of Syracuse, NY and in Riverside, NJ to higher education at Oswego Catholic High School, Assumption Academy High School and The Franciscan Academy, where she was also principal. She eventually went on to teach at Maria Regina College. Especially dear to her heart were the twelve years Sister spent as teacher and counselor at the Hillbrook Detention Center. Sister later continued her life of service as receptionist at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing.
Sister will be remembered for her quick wit, hearty laugh and for her many years of devoted service to her community. She was able to teach and reach students of all ages, and was a beacon, especially to those at Hillbrook, because of her caring, loving, compassionate ways.
Sister Noreen is predeceased by her parents and brother, Thomas. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joanne Joyce; and by her niece and nephew, Terry and Tom Joyce.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at the Franciscan Villa.
A donation may be made in Sister Noreen’s name to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neuman Communities, Congregational Development Office, 690 James St., Syracuse, NY 13212.
Sister’s teaching career ranged from elementary education in schools in the Diocese of Syracuse, NY and in Riverside, NJ to higher education at Oswego Catholic High School, Assumption Academy High School and The Franciscan Academy, where she was also principal. She eventually went on to teach at Maria Regina College. Especially dear to her heart were the twelve years Sister spent as teacher and counselor at the Hillbrook Detention Center. Sister later continued her life of service as receptionist at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing.
Sister will be remembered for her quick wit, hearty laugh and for her many years of devoted service to her community. She was able to teach and reach students of all ages, and was a beacon, especially to those at Hillbrook, because of her caring, loving, compassionate ways.
Sister Noreen is predeceased by her parents and brother, Thomas. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joanne Joyce; and by her niece and nephew, Terry and Tom Joyce.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at the Franciscan Villa.
A donation may be made in Sister Noreen’s name to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neuman Communities, Congregational Development Office, 690 James St., Syracuse, NY 13212.