BALLSTON SPA — Joyce C. Stephenson, 74, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully Sunday, November 3 at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness.
Born in Ballston Spa, October 28, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Natalie Hitchcock. She graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1957 and later attended the College of Saint Rose.
Joyce worked most of her career at BMPC, Inc., in several administrative and supervisory positions. She took pride in instituting new technology in her workplace and retired in 1998. Although working most of her life, Joyce was a mother first and always involved in her children’s lives.
For many years, she was an avid and accomplished bowler in several leagues. Later, she enjoyed country dancing with her husband and many friends. She also enjoyed vacationing in their motor homes, often with her granddaughter, which later evolved to a full time lifestyle.
Joyce always had dogs and discovered the sport of dog agility after her retirement, which became a passion that continued to her death. She trained several dogs, won many championship titles, and developed many new friendships.
In 2006, Joyce and her husband sold their house and lived in their motor home. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and met her goal of never seeing snow again. In recent years, she spent spring and summer in Galax, Virginia where they enjoyed the Blue Ridge Mountains and the music of the region.
Survivors include her husband of 31 years, Robert J. Stephenson, her children Richard (Laila) Vincent of Ballston Spa and Melissa (Steve) Chambliss of Wilmington, Delaware. She will also be missed by her cherished granddaughter Theresa Vincent, her brother William (Marie) Hitchcock, nephew Dale (Laurie) Hitchcock, and niece Deanna Hitchcock.
She was predeceased by her parents, her first husband Nile Patten, former husband Norman R. Vincent, daughter Dawn Marie Patten, and brother George Hitchcock.
