When Joyce was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia almost two years ago, to everyone's disbelief and delight she lived an active life (even returning to substitute teaching!) until she unexpectedly and quickly succumbed to sepsis, passing on Monday, July 29, 2019. She was 78 years old.

For those who knew Joyce, it will come as no surprise that she began writing her own obituary so there would be one less thing for her family to do, and also because she just loved to be prepared. Mom might have started her obituary, but we are finishing it for her, since she was too humble to acknowledge all the happiness and orderliness she spread wherever she went.

Joyce was best known by many as a teacher. Her unique gifts of preparation, uber-organization and making reading enjoyable were instrumental tools as she taught generations of students over a span of 55 years. Her career began at a one-room school house in Cowlesville, NY, where she taught several grade levels simultaneously. Later on, she became a mainstay at Attica Elementary School, most notably as a first-grade teacher. She later transitioned into a stalwart substitute once her first grandchild was born. Her love of teaching and desire to help teachers by substituting were some of her greatest joys.

She was also known for her love of butterflies, particularly the monarch. Collecting chrysalises and watching their transformation into monarchs was a timeless fascination for her and she ensured her students saw this metamorphosis first hand in the classroom, culminating in a yearly release of butterflies.

She was selfless, kind, giving, nurturing, unfailingly supportive, and possessed an incredible sense of humor. She loved sitting in the sunshine, playing games and cards, tea, a good book, streaming her shows, Olive Garden, and proudly watching her children and granddaughters find their places in the world.

Above all, she was beautiful woman with a beautiful soul, whose love for her family and friends was immeasurable.

Thank you to all who gave her joy, made her laugh, and let her know what an impact she had on lives--she treasured knowing she helped others. A poem was sent to me by her lifelong friend, Rosemarie. Mom had asked it to be shared when she passed. When reading this, it's easy to picture her metamorphosed into the monarch she so loved: soaring, flitting about carefree, and carrying with her all the beauty embodied in these words:

Can you hear a bird sing at the top of the chestnut tree?

I am the song she is singing, so sweet her melody.

Can you hear the stream flow forever running free?

My laughter's in her ripples and bubbles, eternally.

Can you feel the sun shine warm upon your skin?

I am the very sun itself, in the love you feel within.

~ Santa Montfiori

Daughter of the late Henry and Irene (Bajanowski) Mindak; loving wife of Lewis Unselt; exceptional mother of Eric Unselt and Stacy Wright; dedicated grandmother of Sabrina and Savannah Wright; sister of Eleanor (Michael) Clabeaux and Annette (William) Bosse.

SERVICES

Joyce is being cremated with a private gathering. No prior visitation.

DONATIONS

Memorial donations made be made to: Stevens Memorial Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. Joyce wore down a path going to that library, taking full advantage of the free knowledge and escapism books provided. She would so love others to do the same.