Obituary of Joan JoAnn C. (McKenna) Joy

ILION – Joan “JoAnn” C. (McKenna) Joy, age 88, of Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Valley Health Services, Herkimer, with her family by her side. She was born on February 14, 1934, in Ilion, the daughter of James and Julia (McCoy) McKenna and graduated from Ilion High School, in 1952. JoAnn married Joseph “Joe” Joy, in August, 1956, at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion. After Joe’s passing, in 1968, JoAnn was a stay at home mom, raising her 3 sons, Joe, Andrew and Douglas Joy. After the boys were older, JoAnn re-entered the work force, at Ilion High School and later the Ilion Police Department and most recently, Homogeneous Metals, where she retired, in 1990. JoAnn was a fixture in the Village of Ilion, having lived there her entire life. Known for her quick wit, love of reading, walking and especially love for her family, she will be dearly missed by many. Surviving family members include her 3 sons, Joseph Joy and his wife, Lori, of Ilion, Andrew Joy, of Myrtle Beach, SC and Douglas Joy, of Herkimer; her cherished grandchildren, Patrick Joy and his fiancée, Leah, of Fredricksburg, TX, Alex Joy and his wife, Maree, of Rome, Adam Joy and Andrew Joy, of Herkimer; 3 great-grandchildren, Bentley, Elizah and Payton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. JoAnn was predeceased by her parents, James and Julia McKenna; her sister, Mary Greenfield and her husband, Vincent; her brothers, John McKenna and his wife, Nira and Edward McKenna and his wife, Dorothy. Anyone wishing to share a memory of JoAnn, or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com In lieu of flowers, as and expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 West St., Ilion, NY 13357. In accordance with JoAnn’s firm wishes, there will be no scheduled calling hours or services at this time. A Graveside Service will be held later this spring, at St. Agnes Cemetery, North Ilion, for family only. A Traditional Irish American Celebration of Life will follow the Graveside Service. Family and friends will be notified in advance. Her family grieves her loss, but they take comfort knowing that Joe and JoAnn are together again. Mom was a very strong, independent woman, who powered through life, largely on her own terms. Look out Dad.... The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff at Valley Residential Services. The care and friendship toward their mother during her last years will not be forgotten. They also wish to extend thanks to the staff at Valley Health Center, where JoAnn’s last days were spent in comfort. JoAnn’s service arrangements are entrusted to her Family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, at Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location, at 102 West St., Ilion, NY (315-895-7722).