Joyce M. Siegel

September 13, 2020

Charlotte – Joyce M. Siegel, 95, a Montessori teacher, avid sailor, swimmer, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Charlotte, Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Joyce and her husband, Marvin moved to Charlotte to live at Aldersgate on her 90th birthday and she loved her time there.  She made many fast friends, enjoyed playing bridge, participating in book club, swimming, and serving as a reading buddy for Windsor Park Elementary School.  She remained an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan.

Joyce Sapowitch Siegel, “Sappy,” was born and raised in Buffalo, NY.  She earned her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University and a Master of Education at SUNY Buffalo. An early advocate of the Montessori method of education, Joyce spent twenty years working as a teacher in Buffalo.

Joyce was also a dedicated community volunteer.  She worked to help open Palliative Care in Buffalo and volunteered at B’nai B’rith.  She was a longtime volunteer for her local Board of Elections.  A proud Democrat, Joyce believed in the power of the vote.

Joyce resided in Buffalo until her retirement, when she and Marvin embarked on 15 years of sailing in the Bahamas on their boat, the Blythe Spirit.  A natural athlete who loved swimming, sailing, golfing, and spearfishing, Joyce relished her years at sea.  She and Marvin often capped each day by raising the cocktail flag at 5 pm.

Joyce was known for her ready smile and immensely kind nature.  Although she faced considerable adversity in her life—including the deaths of two adult children, Mark Siegel and Susan Siegel, and bouts with breast cancer—Joyce never complained about her losses and navigated life with tremendous positivity.

In addition to her husband of 73 years, Joyce is survived by her son, Richard Siegel and his wife, Cindy of Seabrook Island, S.C., daughter, Marcie Shealy and her husband, Torrence of Charlotte, and seven grandchildren; Jeffrey Siegel, James Siegel and his husband, Basil, Max Siegel, Gilson Siegel, Benjamin Siegel, Trevor Shealy and Grace Shealy.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Asbury and Aldersgate for their kindness.

Charitable contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to Aldersgate Guardian Angel Fund; 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, N.C.28215 or https://aldersgateccrc.com/philanthropy

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Marcie Anthone

    Joyce was such a joy and will truly be missed. My deepest sympathies to the family.

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  • Gary and Melanie Tisdale

    Dear Marv: So so sorry to hear about Joyce - you must miss her so much - can't even imagine. We often wonder how you have been as we continue living aboard. Please know that we are thinking of you. When you are up to it, please send us an email. If there is any way we can get together as we traverse the ICW, we would love to see you. All our love and virtual hugs and kisses - Melanie and Gary xoxo?

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  • Tom Walder

    Marv, Please accept my sincere condolence at Joyce's passing. I fondly remember my association with you at YYC and your many contributions to the club.
    Best regards,
    Tom Walder

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  • Madonna Lojacono

    Thinking of you &your family,Marvin. 1050 Amherst was never the same after you guys left. Love to all at this sad time. Donna Lojacono

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  • David bunis

    Dear Marvin
    So sad for your loss. Joyce was a good friend, always positive no matter what, and I will miss her.
    I’m glad you are with family and well cared for.
    Please accept my condolences.
    Love from Davidbunis

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  • Sharon Miller

    I was just in process of sending Both of you Holiday greetings. Gosh how we loved you both. Remember how the Brauns of Y shared a sail on our sailboat which caught the wind , lost our mast w/out personal injury( by sheer luck)and ended up w/rescue from a Canadian sailboat which , in Covid era, coukdnt happen today , in our surreal WORLD! Dear Marvin, send my warmest sympathy and condolences I cannot imagine your loss altho after 6 yrs w/ out Bobby and 6 yrs behind us , I get the message, love you, you’re in good hands w/ your family. Sharon

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  • Marsha Carlin

    Marvin, Richard, and Marcie, I am so sorry for your loss. As a friend of dear Susie at Bethany College and later in Buffalo, I had the pleasure of also knowing Joyce and Marv, who were most gracious and generous to me, especially following the death of my little sister. Joyce and Marv treated me to dinners and cruises aboard the Blythe Spirit; their kindness was healing. I will always remember Susie and her mom, and the rest of the wonderful Siegel family. Warmest regards, Marsha Carlin

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  • Lawrence and Helen Bleichfeld;

    Marvin, So sorry to read about Joyce. I have very fond memories
    of you and Joyce, always very friendly people.
    Glad to read that you were living in Charlotte. Helen and I lived
    in Florida for 15 years. (I'm 93) We halved moved back up North
    to Lockport, NY to be with our youngest daughter,Susan. I am OK
    sitting down, but walking, I use a walker.
    Again, very sorry.
    Larry Bleichfeld

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  • Robert Anthone

    So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was always so full of life. A wonderful person. My condolences to you all.

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  • Mary Alice and Ross Eckert

    Marv - Joyce will be remembered fondly, she always had a smile and kind words for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you - may your memories help you through these difficult times. Ross & MA

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