Obituary of Joyce Bowers

Joyce L. (Vernon) Bowers, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 28, 2015 at Ellis Hospital from complications after a stroke. Born in Newburgh, New York she was the daughter of the late Sterling Gray and Margaret Louise Vernon. Joyce was a lifelong area resident of Scotia and graduate from Scotia High School in 1956. She went on to obtain an associate's degree from Empire State College. Joyce was very active in her community throughout her life. She was a faithful member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville, and the Schenectady WinterSports Club as well as the Northern New York Paddlers Club. Joyce was a former Girl Scout and also proudly served as a Girl Scout Leader. She had several jobs throughout her working career of which she was very proud, which include at the Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY, and most recently as an Administrative Assistant for Planning & Development at SCCC, from which she retired in 2000. Joyce loved being outdoors and could often be found gardening, hiking or camping in the Adirondacks, bicycling, skiing or enjoying cherished family vacations. One of Joyce's favorite memories was of her five week road trip across the country with her daughter Sharon and granddaughter Victoria. When Joyce was enjoying some downtime, she was most likely reading a book cuddled up with her much-loved cat. Joyce was predeceased by her son Douglas R. Bowers and her brother Sterling Gray Vernon II, as well as her former husband, Richard G. Bowers. She is survived by her daughter Sharon L. Cernik (Frank) and her son Michael J. Bowers (Wendy). Joyce is also survived by her granddaughter Victoria Cernik, daughter-in-law Malu Cordovilla-Bowers, and several nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. Funeral services will be held on Monday February 2, 2015 at 7:00 pm from the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY 12302. Friends and relatives may call at the church prior to the service from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Joyce's name may be made to the American Stroke Association 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231, or to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005 . Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com