Obituary of Joyce M. Clintsman

GOUVERNEUR – Joyce M. Clintsman of The Villages, FL and formerly of Gouverneur passed away at her home on Sunday, September 13, 2015. There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spragueville Methodist Church followed by burial in the Spragueville Cemetery and a luncheon held in the fellowship hall of the Spragueville Church. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Joyce was born on May 14, 1942 to Charlotte Sawyer and Glenn Gillett in Gouverneur. She is survived by her mother, Charlotte Gillett; a brother, Edwin Gillett and his wife, Kathy; two sisters, Carolyn and Joseph Millard and Nancy Foster; three children, Robbie and Sara Clintsman of Edwards, Robyn Clintsman and companion, Gary McCormick of Russell, and Rodney and Cynthia Clintsman of Lowville. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and her long time companion, dear and best friend, Peter DeCapua. Joyce has lived in The Villages since 2000 where she was a member of the Central New York Club, Red Hat Group where she served as the auditor, the Parrot Heads, Airhead, Polo Club, Deutcher Club and the Lions Club where she volunteered in many positions, golfed and made many new friends. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1959 followed by the Albany Business School. She worked for St. Lawrence University for five years. In 1966 she went to work as Secretary to the Principal of Edwards Central School, also working as census taker, payroll, activity treasurer, etc. When two districts merged in 1986 as Edwards-Knox Central School she was appointed Clerk of the Board of Education and Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. Always striving to excel, Joyce was a member of the St. Lawrence County Association of Educational Secretaries and NYS National Association of Educational Office Professionals and NYS Association of School Business Officials. She attended many workshops in connection with these groups, serving as Regional Director, Vice President, President Elect, President and Past President for the NYS Association of Educational Office Professionals from 1988-1998. In 1990 Joyce was selected Secretary of the Year by the NYS Association of Educational Office Professionals. With the students' interests at heart, she served on many committees for the students developing and coordinating a substance abuse program, summer/winter recreation programs for students, etc. She also served on the Banana Splits Program with young children in the school district. Joyce also served on the Supervisory Committee of SeaComm Federal Credit Union. Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam NY 13676. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.