Mrs. Joyce I. (Vunk) Clemens

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Mrs. Joyce I. (Vunk) Clemens, age 96, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Born in Utica on December 7, 1925, to the late Harold and Rita (Finch) Vunk, Joyce was raised and educated in nearby Clinton. She went on to graduate from Clinton Central High School in 1944; what a milestone! When Joyce married her husband Floyd William Clemens, their nuptials were held in Texas, for he had enlisted in the US Army. As a couple, the two embraced each other’s commonalities, building a strong foundation for their marriage. Their union was well lived and saw lots of love until July 30, 1969, when Floyd passed away. Joyce was a proud and supportive mother who focused on each one of her children and their uniqueness. She worked for General Electric Co. Radio Receiver Plant on Bleecker St., where she rose to a position as the Assembly Line Supervisor. Later, Joyce moved to Richfield Springs. While enjoying life lived on the lake, she leaned into new positions in a variety of capacities at Richfield Springs Central School. Quite remarkably, she went on to educate herself to become a CNA at the age of 60. She was hired by Valley Health Services, but found her work as a private duty nurse to be the most enjoyable of her endeavors. Joyce loved that she got to know the people more intimately, and she was known as a trusted soul for those who were cared for under her watch, as well as their homes. This truly was Joyce’s calling! She was an incredibly astute and well-versed woman who poured out her life experiences and the movements of her heart into her writing—particularly, journaling and poetry. Joyce loved Canadarago Lake, which set the tone for her many passions. There, she enjoyed fishing, swimming, and water skiing where she had her own show displaying her water ski tricks. Winters gave her the opportunity to enjoy ice-skating, snowmobiling and for the sport of cross-country skiing; she just could never get enough of God’s blessings of this sacred place. Her favorite times were spent with her family and the entertainment it brought to all on this serene lake, which will never be forgotten. This appreciation inspired so many of her other talents, working its way into her summer-long garage sale where she sold and shared handmade gifts, and her knitting and crocheting projects. Joyce lived each day to the fullest while also being a giving spirit. She was both selfless and generous and was known for her endless gift bag, which was filled with unique goodies that were selected in such a personal manner. A woman with a quiet and profound inner spirit, Joyce was always active in the different parishes she attended. She was of the Methodist faith which was the foundation for her belief in service to others. Joyce is survived by her children and their spouses, Susan and Jack Kennedy, and Wayne and Barbara Clemens. She held close to her heart the memories of her children who preceded her: Connie L. Madore and her husband James “Jim” Madore, Bruce W. Clemens, Judith “Judy” DeCola; Joyce leaves her son-in-law, Ernest “Ernie” DeCola. She cherished her many grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and her beloved great, great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded by five brothers and their spouses, and she also leaves a sister-in-law, Sandra Vunk. She will remain in the hearts of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Joyce was blessed with many wonderful friendships and family relationships. The family would like to acknowledge that it was through the gracious care of Valley Residential and Valley Health that Joyce was able to be cared for with great love and compassion. From the administration to the staff, each person was mindful of Joyce, who had herself been a caretaker. Things had truly come full circle—the way it was supposed to be. The last season of her journey was aided by Hospice and Palliative Inc., which was blessed by moments of great concern. Services will be held at the privacy of the family. For those who the Lord puts it on their hearts to give, please make a donation in Joyce’s memory to a very special organization: Canadarago Lake Improvement Association, online at https://canadaragolake.com. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Mrs. Joyce I. (Vunk) Clemens

December 7, 1925 - July 3, 2022