Obituary of Catherine W. Joynson

Catherine W. Joynson, 86, died on Thursday, November the 2nd at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY.  She was born in Amsterdam, NY in March 1931 and was a graduate of the University of Rochester.  After graduation, she went to work at General Electric in the Power Tube area and later in the GE Research and Development Center in Niskayuna.  In December 1965, she married Reuben E. Joynson (Ed) who was also involved in research at the Center.  They lived in Alplaus, NY for many years and then moved to Glen Eddy, a retirement community, for some relaxed and carefree days of living.  Catherine was active at Glen Eddy, holding some offices, leading many of the activities and looking forward each Sunday evening to a friendly game of Wii.

Catherine led an active and vibrant life with many different interests.  She was a skier, an active bird watcher and an avid gardener.  She enjoyed going on nature walks and identifying various specimens of the native flora.  She became WilliNilli, the clown and entertained at a number of children’s parties as well as the holiday parades in Alplaus.  

She and Ed became active members of the Alplaus Volunteer Fire Department, even learning how to drive the large fire trucks.  She was a talented painter working in oils and water colors. She devoted many hours of service and making countless kettles of soup for those who were less fortunate.  She and Ed enjoyed Curling and were members of the Albany Curling Club for many years.

Utmost in her life was her church where she held many offices, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.  She spent many hours there doing whatever needed to be done.  She became a lay preacher and at times filled in for the Pastor with a well- researched lesson and sermon.  She was always friendly, ready to help and not ever afraid to stand up for whatever she felt was right.  She will be missed very much not only by family but many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by husband Reuben E. Joynson and brother Edward L. Wilson, Jr.  Survivors include her sister Carolyn W. Wicke, nephews Kip, Gary and Christopher Wicke, Eddie and Kevin Wilson, nieces Carin Wicke, Nancy Stanley, Beth Hart, Debra Wilson and Pamela Wilson, grand nephews and nieces and great grand nephews and nieces, her step children Sarah Callbeck, Marilyn Carr, Carol Joynson, Alan Joynson, David Joynson, four grandchildren, one great grandchildan, and close friend Joanne Koenig. 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 16th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Route 146, Clifton Park. There will be no prior calling. Reception venue pending, Burial was private at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com