BEVERLY - Joyce French passed away on May 8th, 2024, in Danvers, Massachusetts. Born December 9, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Thomas and Verna Norton. She is survived by her children: Susan (John) Henshaw, Richard (Barbara) French; grandchildren: Brent (Caitlin Mates) Falk, Donald French, and Meghan French. She was G.G. to her great granddaughters Lucy Joyce and Mia Joye Falk. Joyce was preceded by her parents, her beloved husband Donald, and brother Thomas (Janet) Norton of White Plains, Maryland.

Joyce and Don moved to Old Greenwich, Ct in 1962, then later to central Greenwich in 1992. Joyce balanced a demanding career with family, raising Susan and Richard while imparting a focus on academic accomplishment and learning. Joyce graduated from Wellesley College, (B.A.), University of Bridgeport (M.S.), and Teachers College, Columbia University (PhD). She was a teacher in the Greenwich Public Schools, where one of her favorite memories was having her first grade Dundee School students build a life-sized igloo out of paper mâché. Joyce later became Head of both the Lower and Upper Schools at Greenwich Country Day School, visiting professor at Teachers College, Columbia; adjunct professor at Pace University; and finally, Director of Education, Manhattanville College, along with providing intergenerational literacy and work literacy programs at various hospitals with Dr. Carol Rhoder.

Joyce contributed to education through her teaching, scholarly articles and four published books, with a focus on learning disabilities, workplace literacy, communication, and study skills. Joyce was co-author of the children's book "Grandma Needs a Nap" with Dr. Marie Amoruso. In retirement she volunteered as Treasurer and President of the Greenwich Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, where she helped build a nationwide poetry contest. Joyce was active in Greenwich bridge, both duplicate as well as party bridge, where her razor-sharp math and memory skills were used to their full potential.

ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be private. Assisting the family with arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations, Funerals, Celebrations located at 167 Maple St., Danvers, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.