Eleanor Burns Joyce, a lifelong Avoca resident, passed away on January 30, 2018 following an illness. Her devoted husband and caregiver is Robert Joyce, Sr. Robert and Eleanor enjoyed more than 61 wonderful years of marriage.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Peter and Helen (Murphy) Burns. Eleanor graduated from Saint Mary’s Grade School, Avoca High School, and Scranton-Lackawanna College. After graduation she worked in her family’s business, eventually becoming the sole proprietor of Burns’.
She was a devoted member of Saint Mary’s Church, Avoca, now, Queen of the Apostles Parish. Eleanor volunteered for several years at the Saint Mary’s School Library, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Little League Mom, and Parent Club Member. She especially liked quilting with her mother, aunts and cousins in their quilting club.
Eleanor enjoyed family functions including vacations at the Jersey Shore, Ocean City, MD, and visits to Greater Washington, D.C. She loved family picnics at her brother, Joe’s cottage in Falls, PA. She and Bob traveled extensively in Canada, Mexico, Ireland and Europe.
A loving and caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, she is survived by her husband; a son, Robert Joyce, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Noreen Nixon Joyce; two grandchildren, Robert Joyce, III, and Bridgeen Joyce all of Avoca; a sister-in-law Alyce Joyce, Florida; and several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Burns Manley and brother-in law Lawrence Manley; and a brother, Joseph Burns, Sr. and sister-in-law Rita Burns; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Eugene, Anne, John, Mary Grace and Joseph Joyce.
Eleanor was assisted in her later years by her family and many wonderful people including Rev. Phillip Sladicka, Dr. James Sheerer and the staff of Commonwealth Health, neighbors, friends, and relatives: Helene, Tim, Ann Marie, Terri, Lisa, Maureen, Bob and Susan. Special thanks to Dr. Alice Coyle and Mary Coyle for their compassion. She truly appreciated all acts of kindness.
The funeral will be Saturday, February 3rd with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Queen of the Apostles Parish, in Saint Mary’s Church, 715 Hawthorne Street, Avoca. Interment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Avoca. Friends may call in the Church starting at 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass on Saturday morning.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen of the Apostles Parish, the American Heart Association, or a charity of the donors’ choice.
Arrangements are entrusted Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine Street, Duryea, PA.