QUEENSBURY – Joyce Rose Flower, 74 of Sunnyside North, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family Thursday afternoon, December 30, 2021.
Born on March 19, 1947 in the Bronx, she grew up in Glens Falls and was the daughter of the late Charles and Margo (Santiago) Hernandez.
Joyce was a graduate of Glens Falls High School and continued her education at Mary McClellan Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Cambridge, NY. She worked and studied hard, earning her license as a practical nurse.
In 1967, she married James Flower at St. Alphonsus Church in Glens Falls.
Joyce was a patriot who served her country in the United States Navy Reserves, and was activated during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. For many years, Joyce was employed at the Irongate Family Practice in Glens Falls and continued to work with Dr. Tedesco, going on home visits. She was a dedicated Christian and member of the Durkeetown Baptist Church prior to moving to Queensbury and joining New Hope Community Church.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of 47 years, James Flower, who passed away in 2014.
Joyce is survived by her children, Joanna (Jacqueline) Duncan and her husband, Cary of Norristown, PA and Michele Shpakowsky and her husband, Philip of Alberta, Canada; her grandchildren, Josiah, Jedidiah, Trinity and Moriah; her sisters, Margo Guglielmo, Charlene Endal, Mary O’Marra, Betty Hernandez and Linda Thompson; her brothers, Charles (Sonny) Hernandez, Frank Hernandez and Joe Hernandez; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved very much – her favorites knew who they were.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. All visitors are required to wear a face mask upon entering the building, regardless of vaccination status.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at New Hope Community Church, 454 Corinth Road in Queensbury.
Joyce will be laid to rest with her husband at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in a private service to be held at a later date.
The family requests donations be made in Joyce’s memory to the Open Door Mission, 226 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, or to the Clothing Closet Ministry at New Hope Community Church, 454 Corinth Road, Queensbury, NY 12804
A dear friend of 55 years. A heart of gold that extended to all who came into her life. She will be remembered by classmates at Mary McClellan Hospital School of Nursing at our meet and greet the first evening as this tiny girl in green jeans dancing to” Loui Loui” on the piano. Joyce new how to make good first impressions. I have many wonderful memories of Joyce to treasure.
A dear friend of 55 years. A heart of gold that extended to all who came into her life. She will be remembered by classmates at Mary McClellan Hospital School of Nursing at our meet and greet the first evening as this tiny girl in green jeans dancing to” Loui Loui” on the piano. Joyce new how to make good first impressions. I have many wonderful memories of Joyce to treasure.
I worked with Joyce at Irongate Family Practice and we were good friends. I also attend New Hope with Joyce where Joyce made many friends. She was always upbeat and was fun to be with. I will miss her alot.
Joyce and I became friends 55 years ago in nursing school. Oh what great memories. We grew up became wife and mom. She was always a phone call away no matter what state you were in. I will miss her warmth and understanding esp. on our weekly phone call. Know my friend I will always miss you.
I loved her. Joyce was a dear friend who made a difference in my life. As a close friend of her daughters she quickly embraced me and we shared many memories. Although I hadn’t seen her in years she was always quick with a word of love and encouragement on Facebook. Her zest for life, family and God were evident and accompanied her perseverance and joy wherever she went. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Sorry for your loss Michelle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs. Susan, Denis , Vicki and Christian Roberge
Although my husband and I only knew Joyce for a few short years We feel blessed to have known her at all. Our love and prayers go out to her family and friends. We will miss her stopping by with her beloved dog friends at the lake.
Oh how I loved working with Joycee. Her smile, her kindness. Loved her so much. Rest in peace sweet friend. So very sorry to family and friends who loved Joyce so very much ❤❤
I met Joyce in San Diego, CA, while we were were Navy wives. We lived in up stairs,down stairs apartments. We hit it off immediately and were best friends, she always had a smile on her face. I baby sat her two girls, once she starting work. Her two girls were her world. Shelly was 6 months old. They were precious . we continued to keep in touch after she and Jim got stationed in Hawaii, and since then. She was a treasure and I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her beloved family.
My love and prayers to Joyce’s family. Joyce, her sister Cha snd i (with many classmates) were friends since Glens Falls Junior High days in the 60’s.
We visited with other classmates at The Silo and reunions. You spoke about loving your work with Dr. Tedesco and group.
She was loved by so many.
I will miss you, loving friend, Joyce. Peace and love be with you!
My love and prayers to Joyce’s family.
Joyce, her sister, Cha and I (with many classmates) were friends since Glens Falls Junior High days in the 60’s.
Joyce and I visited with other classmates at The Silo and reunions. She spoke about loving her work with Dr. Tedesco and group.
She was loved by so many.
I will miss you, loving friend, Joyce. Peace and love be with you!
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She went to school with and knew my mother well. Joyce and I connected on Fb after meeting through her sister Betty. My condolences to Betty and the entire family. In the difficult days ahead, may God bring His comfort and peace to everyone who knew and loved Joyce.
My love and prayers to all,may everyone find peace that Joyce is at peace with the love of her life.And rest assured she will continue with love and prayers looking down on all of us, as her heart was just as big. Love adopt white sister
My dear sweet Joyce. You are, and will be forever, sorely missed. You and your smile would brighten up a room, even on the darkest days. You were kind and generous to all. You were a pleasure to have in exercise class and made me very proud! (Those “young kids” had nothing on you!) The memories of us kayaking and not always staying in the boat are priceless. Thank you Joyce for sharing your beautiful life and family with me. It was my honor to call you my friend. Until we meet again, I love you! Blessings to the entire family!
Rest in Peace my friend. I will miss you.
Bob and Gail Huntz, Sunnyside lake friends;
Joyce will be missed dearly by her Lake friends.
She is someone who just lit up your spirits .
She sparkled with joy, laughter and kindness.
She will be truly missed. May God’s peace be with you,
Joyce.
neighbor to Joyce, we thought the assemblage of cars out our window were for a special occasion for Joyce, not knowing she has left us. We are in shock. A lovely person, a wonderful neighbor, a great nurse professional, she will be sorely missed by all. God bless you Joyce. Evelyn and Gene Casella
When Joyce introduced me as her friend she would say Dawn and I went to war together. I had the honor to serve along side Joyce as a nurse, patriot and my favorite her friend. She and Jimmy would care for my beloved yellow lab Shia when I would go out of town. She adored Jimmy and he adored her. Joyce and I had a special way of ending our conversations each time we spoke. Joyce would say Love you and I would say love you more. She would say ahh, you got me again! We would both laugh…
Joyce I am so very honored to have had you for my friend in this life. Looking forward to life with you in heaven. Still love you more, more than words can adequately express…. Until we meet again <3
Just reflecting on how many lives she must have touched. I’m sure her passing will leave a void for your family, but our hope in Christ gives us the assurance that you will one day be reunited.
I/ve known Joyce for many years and many settings from work, PALS, and as alumni from Mary McClellan School of Practical Nursing.Joyce always had a smile on her face. and always willing to help no matter what. she will be surely missed. Rest In Peace Joyce.