Joyce Conner passed away on October 31,2021. Joyce was born December 9 th , 1933 in Rochester, New York, the daughter of the late Raymond and Helen Cellura. Her sister Leah Elizabeth “Betty” Gaesser and her brothers Angel Raymond and Charles Richard Cellura predecease her.
She was the matriarch of a large family. She was mom to nine children – Colleen Conner Ziegler (Tom Ziegler), David Conner (Kelli), Raymond Conner, Timothy Conner (Mimi), Terrance Conner (Laura), Nicholas Conner (Penni), Kelly Conner (Honorable Chris Walczyk), Philip Conner (Erin) and Joyce Conner-Boyd, Ph.D (Ralph Boyd). She was grandma to twelve grandchildren, who she loved dearly. Her sister Marilyn O’Keefe, as well as nieces and nephews who brought her much joy, also survive Joyce.
Joyce was a creative spirit, with music and art playing an integral part of her life from an early age. She had a beautiful alto voice and she loved to sing. As a child she sang professionally and later in life she shared her love of song with her grandchildren. Every holiday was a reason for celebration for Joyce, especially Christmas. Joyce was a serious scrabble player and took no prisoners when she played. She will always be remembered for her strength and persistence in the face of adversity and her deep and abiding love for her friends and family. Her kind and generous spirit has moved on but will not be forgotten.
A private Remembrance of Joyce’s life will be held.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in the memory of Joyce to Isaiah House.
71 Prince Street, Rochester, New York. 14605. theisaiahhouse.org