Joyce A. Cook, age 82 of Inverness, Florida passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 at Vitas Hospice Care Center. Born on March 25, 1943, in Medina, New York, she lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, and friendship and left an amazing legacy to her family. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, friend and devoted wife and will forever be in our memories.
Joyce was the beloved daughter of Glenn and Nola (Austin) Hill. She graduated from high school in Medina Class of 61 and later earned an Associate of Art Degree from Genesee Community College. Her professional journey included dedicated services as an Accounting and Administrative Assistant at Parsons/Agway Oil in Medina, Griffith Energy in Rochester and Rochester Button Company. After relocating to Florida, she continued to share her talents part-time at Como RV in Inverness.
A woman of deep faith, Joyce was a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Inverness. She found strength and community through worship services and Bible study groups and was baptized alongside her husband – a moment that reflected their shared spiritual journey.
Her passions were many and varied – she loved water aerobics and was a longtime member of Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club where she attended classes weekly for years. She had a keen interest in family genealogy and proudly traced her lineage back to Richard Warren, a passenger on the Mayflower, this led Joyce to become a proud member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. As she discovered such historical military connections within her family, her dedication led her to becoming a member of The Daughters of The American Revolution. Joyce also enjoyed arts and crafts, baking for loved ones, traveling the world with dear friends Vonnie Peters and Jeanne Crane, and many cruises with her husband, Ray and family, attending church events, and dining out to experience local cuisine while meeting new people along the way.
Joyce was a dedicated Sorority Sister of Sigma Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for over six decades. Joyce was a President and passionately enjoyed being the Treasurer. She was crafty, talented and came up with great ideas for programs that were always interesting and fun. Joyce was caring and very generous and readily available when needed. Her Sorority Sisters loved her and will miss her very much.
Joyce faced her diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with remarkable courage and grace over the last two years of her life. Her resilience inspired all who knew her. Joyce was fondly thought of by her medical team and staff. She always managed to have a smile on her face with a sense of humor that was infectious by all.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond E. Cook Jr. of 59 years, with whom she shared a loving marriage rooted in faith and mutual respect. Together they raised two children: David S. Cook of North Chili, New York and Lori A. Fortunato of Inverness, Florida. Joyce found immense joy in her role as a grandmother to Nathan J. Rosenthal and Nicole L. Rosenthal of New Jersey, cherishing the special memories they created during summers spent together in Florida and holiday gatherings.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Walsh Hotel, 525 West Avenue, Medina, New York. Joyce will be laid to rest at Millville Cemetery, Medina, NY. Cremation care by Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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