South Deerfield, MA – Joyce A. Zukowski passed peacefully on June 4, comforted by her family during her final days. She was 91.
She was born in Turners Falls to Albert and Blanche Guilbault and graduated from Turners Falls High School. She was the devoted spouse of 61 years to Henry Zukowski, who predeceased her. The couple built their life together in South Deerfield, raising four reasonably well-adjusted children. She spent her later working years in Accounts Payable at Farren Memorial Hospital.
She was a past member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church and St Anne’s Sodality in South Deerfield.
Joyce enjoyed cooking for her family, particularly in the height of the summer garden season. She was an avid reader, enjoyed Saturday polka music on the radio, and was always knitting or crocheting something for her family and friends. She and Hank enjoyed many trips around the United States and cruises in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska with friends or with cousin Lois and Don Clark.
As her own children began their lives, she delighted in seeing and hearing about the growth and development of her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. For ten years, she operated “Bapchie’s taxi service” to ferry her granddaughter Jacinta when she missed the bus.
She is survived by daughters Barbara Hunting and Linda Zukowski of South Deerfield, Susan Zukowski of Northampton and son Joe Zukowski and his wife Donna, of Southport, NC. She leaves one sister, Sandra O’Neill (William) of Turners Falls and many nieces and nephews. Sisters Eleanor Richotte, Phyllis Smith and brothers Robert and Michael Guilbault all predeceased her.
A funeral Mass will be held on June 18 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church in South Deerfield with burial immediately following.
The family would like to thank the staff at Buckley/Regal Care who took such loving care of her during her last years.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 29 Sugarloaf St, South Deerfield, MA 01373; or to the charity of one’s choice.
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