Joyce M. Hamel

Joyce Hamel, 81, of Latham, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024, with her family by her side. Born on April 1,1943, in Quebec, Canada, Joyce was the daughter of Alfred and Cecile (Wawanolette) Joubert and sister to her late brother, Elie Joubert. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife to her “rock,” Jeremiah (Jerry) Hamel, for 61 years, as well as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Joyce lived in Troy, N.Y., and Center Brunswick, N.Y., where she raised her children. She is survived by her loving husband Jeremiah (Jerry) Hamel; her three children, Michele Hamel, Jay (Dawn) Hamel, and Brian (Vittoria) Hamel; five grandchildren, Amber Zapp, Karlee (Dominick) Marinello, Alysha (Matt) Davey, Luciano (Luke) Hamel, and Jeremiah (Jeremy) Hamel; as well as five great-grandchildren, Ava, JJ, Brooks, Sophia, and Harlow. 

Growing up in the Troy area, Joyce worked at a toy factory in Wynantskill, N.Y., where she met a very handsome young man in a blue shirt in the lunchroom. Discovering that they shared the same bus they continued to talk. This young man would later become her husband in 1963. As a homemaker she embraced her role of mother, nurturer, and took pride in creating a warm and inviting home for her family and all who came to visit.

Joyce was a proud and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After raising her children she cared for many other grandchildren during their early years. She was a fun and energetic grandmother, often playing ball, pushing children on the swing, and sneaking in a cookie or ice cream for breakfast. She was happiest being in her home with her family. She loved when family and friends visited and enjoyed the simple pleasures of sitting on her back patio in summer, reading books, hanging out her laundry to dry, enjoying the fresh scent when folding them, and text chatting with her children and grandchildren.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the Palliative Care Partners team and the staff at The Community Hospice. The family is deeply grateful for excellent care, kindness, and tremendous support provided to Joyce.

Family and friends are welcome to visit on Friday, October 4, 2024, at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 181 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Watervliet, N.Y. 12189, between the hours of 10 AM to 12 PM. Interment will immediately follow at St Mary's Cemetery, 2900 Tibbits Ave, Troy, N.Y. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce's name to Palliative Care Partners at Home (St. Peter's Health Partners) orThe Community Hospice (www.communityhospice.org).