Brockport, NY: Joy died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family on April 13th, 2017. She waged a three-year war against breast cancer, which she ultimately lost. Her husband of 20 years, Timothy; her four children Rhianna Schlegel, Benjamin, Rebecca, and Nathaniel; and her granddaughter, Zoey, survive her.
She was born in Germany but soon came to the US. After graduation, she moved around the US before settling in North Carolina and a role in IT support. She met her husband via writing in an email role-playing game, and they married on a snowy day in April.
Joy was an avid cook, writer, home decorator, a Renaissance woman and Jill of All Trades. She loved long, passionate discussions about history, philosophy, science, art and music. Her thirst for knowledge was never satisfied, and it all found its way into her writing, her homeschooling, her cooking and her life. She leaves behind three unfinished novels sharing these ideas and ideals.
Every summer, it was a family tradition to head to the Sterling Renaissance Faire and enjoyed planning her costume for that year, always based on her character, Felice of Avignon. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of the Pluta Cancer Center for their care and efforts in fighting this disease.
No memorial service are planned, but those wishing to may honor Joy’s memory are asked to consider a donation to the Seneca Park Zoo.
Our family has many fond memories of the many visits to the zoo over the years, and it was a place of fun and sanctuary for us.
“Say not in grief that ‘She is no more,’ but live in thoughtfulness that she was.”
Our sincere condolences to the Bushnell Family. Tim, Ben, Becca, & Nathan. Our hearts go out to you as we keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you’ll reach out to us if there’s anything we can do. Rest in Peace Joy. You will be missed.
Our condolences from the Ostrout family Tim. She was an amazing woman and a wonderful partner for you in this adventure of life.
Our hearts go out to Tim, Ben, Becca and Nathan. Joy will be sorely missed and our only regret is that we didn’t spend more time together.
What an apt name you picked all those years ago, Joy. It suited you more than any other. With love, we wish you peace for you and your family.
So sorry for your great loss. I know that Joy has in bedded in her kids much of her knowledge and interest. I am wishing that all those fond memories will carry you all down the path that she started.