Obituaries

Evelyn (O’Connor) Joyce, 96 years young and a lifelong resident of West Scranton, passed away Wednesday morning at Allied Hospice, Scranton, after an illness. She was preceded in death on November 15, 2003, by her beloved husband of 53 years, William Vanston Joyce.
Born on December 16, 1924, and daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Bachman) O’Connor, Evelyn was a graduate of West Scranton High School’s first graduating class: Class of 1943. Upon marriage and raising her children, she worked as a legal secretary at several Scranton-based law firms until her retirement.
Always on the move, Evelyn was a passionate volunteer, selflessly offering her time to so many organizations. She was a founding member of Ladies Auxiliary to Lackawanna Little League; past president of the Keyser Valley Senior Citizens; and a volunteer for over 40 years for Mercy/Regional Hospital of Scranton where she helped in countless capacities into her 90’s.
Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church Parish in West Scranton. Also a church volunteer, she was a fixture at the instant bingo stand of the annual church picnic.
Also a familiar face at Weston Field in North Scranton where she loved water aquatics, above all else came her family and she certainly adored her children and grandchildren. Generous, humorous and kind, she will never be forgotten.
She is also survived by her loving family, son, Joseph Joyce and wife Cathy (Cadden), and daughter, Karen Roberto, all of Scranton; her seven grandchildren, Kelly, Brian, Jill, Kevin, Ryan, Nora and Jane; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
Siblings, Dorothy and Paul O’Connor, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge the entire staff of Allied Hospice, especially Denise, Chris, Maria and Diana, for the amazing care collectively given to Evelyn.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1608 Oram Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday from 9:00 AM until Mass. Entombment will follow Mass at the Cathedral Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Evelyn’s name to St. Patrick’s Parish Food Pantry c/o 1401 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa. 18504. Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funreal Home, Inc., 125 North Main Ave. in Scranton.