Oneonta Native Sister Florence Joy Dies; Ministered for 63 Years

Sister Florence Joy, RSM, (formerly Sister Mary Annata), a Sister of Mercy for 63 years, died Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Chestnut Park Nursing Home.

Born in Oneonta, she was the daughter of the late Carmen Joy and Anna Volpe Joy.

Sister Florence earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Saint Rose, Albany.

She ministered as a teacher at various schools in the Albany Diocese, including St. Mary’s, Clinton Heights; St. Paul’s, Troy, and St. Patrick’s, Watervliet

.Sister spent most of her teaching career with “the little ones” in Grades 1 and 2, laying a solid foundation in the “3 R’s” and preparing them for future learning. An excellent reading teacher, she spent extra time tutoring students who struggled with reading skills.

In her retirement years, she dedicated herself to the ministry of prayer.Sister treasured time spent with her family and felt completely at home in Oneonta.

In addition to her parents, Sister Florence was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Packer, infant Angeline Gioia, Jane Rhody; and her brothers, Anthony Joy and Emilio (Mel) Joy.She is survived by her sister, Angeline Nielsen; and brother, Michael Joy (Dawn); several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; as well as by her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the reception of Sister’s body at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St, Oneonta, at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 7. A wake will follow in the church; the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.

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