Obituary of Joyce (Stewart) Leach

VIRGINIA BEACH/CANISTEO: Joyce (Stewart) Leach, 91, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on March 15, 2024 in assisted living at The Waterford at Virginia Beach in Virginia Beach. Joyce was born in North Hornell to Viola Rhoda (Bennett) Stewart and Howard K. Stewart on August 29, 1932. She graduated from Canisteo Central School in 1950. She was a homemaker and caregiver of two sons with muscular dystrophy. As a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church, Canisteo, she enjoyed deacon duties, preparation of meals for church events and Rotary meetings, and participation in craft activities. One of her favorite hobbies was needle point, embroidery, and crochet. Before living in Virginia Beach, Joyce and James lived in Florida for several years enjoying the fellowship of many friends and cruise trips. Joyce is survived by her husband, James Leach, daughter Sharon L. Forbes, son Michael J. Leach, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is survived by several siblings, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Cheryl M., two sons James H. and Thomas A. and five siblings. A memorial service will be announced at a later date to be held at the H.P. Smith and Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, NY. Burial will be at the Rathbone Town Line Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to The Waterford at Virginia Beach and Amedisys Hospice for the loving and kind care of Joyce. Also, thanks are extended to Holloman-Brown Funeral Home for their compassionate assistance during this difficult time.