Joyce A. Henneman, 80, of Vestal, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2021 with her granddaughter by her side. She was predeceased by her loving sweetheart of 61 years, Charles (Chuck) Henneman, her parents, John and Mary Ann Bunganich, her sister Marie Bilka and brothers Michael Bunganich and Eddie Rook. She is survived by her loving daughters Brenda (Henneman) Langdon and Denise Henneman Houseknecht, her precious grandchildren Melissa and Christopher DePugh and Austin Bartlett, her sisters Rosalie Bronner and Debbie Quackenbush, her brother Johnny and many loving nieces and nephews.
Joyce was a graduate of Union Endicott High School, Class of 1959. It was there as a freshman that she met a handsome junior named Charles Henneman, and they were together ever since. Charles was the love of her life and Joyce took great pride in being his wife, raising a family together and sharing life’s adventures.
Joyce was a member of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church. Since she was a child, Joyce sang in the Choir. Many Sundays you could her beautiful voice coming from the Choir loft above. Joyce enjoyed baking special treats for the Coffee Socials and making nut and lekvar rolls for the holidays. One of her favorite events was hosting a table for the Christmas Tea. She’d spend weeks looking for just the right table settings, centerpieces, and gifts to give her guests. She was very proud when Brenda and Melissa hosted their own table one year and invited her. Russian Orthodox traditions were dear to her heart. She loved the celebration of Christmas, cooking all day for the sacred Holy Supper on Christmas Eve, setting the table with an extra place for the weary traveler and making the 12 special dishes shared by all. Christmas Day was a day to feast, and Joyce put on an elaborate one, cooking for days. She loved having a house full of family, love, and laughter. Easter traditions were also special to her. Coloring Easter eggs after Great Friday services, cooking the kielbasa and making the hrudka (cheese) and paska (bread) on Saturday in preparation of Glorious Easter Sunday.
Joyce loved her family and was very protective of them. A devoted daughter, she took care of her parents well into their 90’s, spending several days a week at the nursing home comforting them, ensuring they had everything they needed and fighting for their rights if she felt something was wrong. She adored and was very proud of her husband, the way he loved and protected her and her family. She would swell with pride when passersby commented on the beautiful front porch he built. Her daughters were another source of pride for Joyce. She always put them first, usually going without so they could have anything they needed. Even when given money to buy something pretty for herself, she would come home with something for them. Oh, and did she worry. Even into adulthood, she would call to remind them … “It’s cold outside, wear a hat.” “The roads are slick, please take your time driving and call me when you get there.” “Your voice sounds funny, do you have a cold? Did you take your medicine? I’ll make you some chicken soup.” .” We learned never to call Mom if we had a stuffy nose! She earned the title “Worry Wart of the World” and wore it proudly. Brenda and Denise have fond memories of taking longs walks with Mom, sitting on the glider talking for hours and laughing together while watching her favorite comedies. As a stay-at-home mom, she always knew what we were up to. Even when we thought she was asleep and tried to sneak out at night to walk around the neighbor, we’d just get the door open and find her standing behind us… “Where do you two think you’re going at this hour?” You could never fool Mom.
Then there were the grandchildren. Joyce loved them fiercely, enjoying every minute she shared with them. She loved watching Melissa do the same things her daughter did… often saying it was liking watching her girls grow up again. She enjoyed baking with her, sharing special recipes like her Ricotta Cheese cookies. Although not a fan of sports, she would go to Christopher’s soccer games, cheering him on, and making sure he didn’t get hurt. When Austin came to visit, she would shop and prepare his favorite dishes for a feast, she smiled by how excited he’d get. You could see the love and pride in her eyes whenever her grandchildren were nearby.
Joyce had a deep passion for animals, especially her blessed poodle, Jetta. Jetta was always by her side, sleeping next to her, eating whatever Joyce was eating and lying next to her on the front porch watching the neighbors walk by. Joyce often said if she could, she’d rescue every animal she could find. She loved to feed the all the squirrels, chipmunks and birds in her backyard, she sat on her deck for hours and watching them skitter about. She enjoyed having a special garden, sharing her plentiful vegetables with everyone.
Joyce enjoyed many things… especially music! Anytime music was playing you could always find Joyce boppin’ along to it! She also loved to go to the casino. The penny slots with penguins, dragons, and leprechauns were her favorite. On her last trip to Las Vegas Charles surprised her with Wayne Newton tickets and they had a ball together. She talked about it for months. She loved to travel and saw many beautiful sites. Her favorite vacation was going to the beach, lying in a chair, and soaking up the sun. Brenda and Denise would keep Dad busy so Mom could relax. Then we’d walk the beach looking for seashells. Joyce was in a bowling league and enjoyed her “Mom’s night out” to laugh and spend time with friends. She was an avid reader, mysteries and love stories being her favorite.
Joyce loved her family, loved life. She will be deeply missed by her devoted family, friends and those that knew her. Her and Charles are together again and watching over us all.
Funeral services will be held Friday December 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY with the Rev. Nathaniel Choma, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery, Endwell, NY. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Thursday December 2, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 6:30 p.m. when the Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Choma will hold a Panahida Service. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to The Humane Society 167 Conklin Ave. Binghamton, NY 13903.
Please Leave A Comment For The Guest Book