Obituary of Joyce Marjorie Symonds

Joyce Marjorie (Austin) Symonds was born to Velma and Myron Austin on September 13, 1932, in Troupsburg, New York. Joyce passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. She came into this world with a caring soul that she shared with those she came in contact with. With a deep love of children, animals, and plants, she was grounded in all that was good. After graduating from Troupsburg Central School District at 16, Joyce attended Mansfield State Teachers College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education. She later earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education and spent the majority of her teaching career at Tuscarora Elementary in Addison, New York. Joyce was a selfless parent who was encouraging, accepting, and nurturing. She possessed a steadfast loyalty to her husband, Harold P. Symonds, and her loving children, Marv, Dreda, and Lori. Words cannot possibly sum up the life of such a giving person. As a primary teacher, she taught numerous students how to tie their shoes and write their names. She loved to share books with her students and helped many of them learn to read. Joyce was a member of the Community Church of Woodhull. She participated in various community organizations as well. Joyce is survived by many loved ones who cherished her. Two daughters, Dreda Symonds (John Simpson) of Virginia Beach, VA., and Lori Baxter (Ken Samuels) of Tyrone, New York. Grandson Travis Tomsa of Rochester, New York, Benjamin McCreary of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Joshua McCreary (Katie) of Springfield, Virginia, Carter Tomsa of Canandaigua, New York, and Rachael Kattrein (Kyle) of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Great Grand-Daughter, Anna Sheldon Kattrein, Brother, Nyhl (Linda) Austin of Wellsville, New York, Sisters-in-laws, Margaret Smith of Canisteo, New York, Loree Symonds of Troupsburg, New York. Cousins, nephews, nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, her son, Marv, her sister Gloria Austin, and her Brother, Vernon Austin. Her dear friend, Lucille Austin, parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles, whom she has now returned to. Having endured some of life’s most difficult adversities, Joyce remained deeply embedded in her faith. If you were lucky enough to know Joyce, you were familiar with her upbeat spirit, sense of humor, and generous heart. Selfless and gracious, she always put others first. Calling hours and a “Joyful Memorial” will be held on Friday, May 9, at the Community Church of Woodhull. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until 11:30, and the Memorial Service will commence at 11:30. Joyce requested that everyone join together at the Feed Mill Restaurant in Woodhull after the service. It was her favorite hangout. Instead of donations or flowers, please take some time to read a book to a child in honor of Joyce. It is one of the most meaningful gestures you could make, and it would please her. Joyce will be missed more than any words could express, but she will be forever in our hearts until we meet again.