Joyce Webler

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Joyce Mary Webler passed away April 23, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Downsville, after a short illness and hospitalization. She was 91 years old.

She was born at home in Downsville on Sept. 10, 1930 to Elmer and Christina Doig. Joyce lived her full life in Downsville, except for a few years when she worked for a Massachusetts based construction company. She and her best friend, Katie Townsend, were employed in their teens as “plane spotters” during the war and were proud of their “wings.”

Joyce graduated from Downsville Central School and Albany Business College and was employed by Savine Construction/Walsh, Perini, & Bianchi Construction, contractors of the Pepacton Reservoir. She left employment after starting a family and stayed home to raise her children with her husband, Robert Butcher, who predeceased her in 1971, at the age of 45. She went back to work and married Richard Webler in 1986. She retired as Downsville Central School payroll clerk in 1990. Joyce was a member of the Colchester Community Church all her life; a former member of The Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Fireman’s Auxiliary and Senior Citizen Club. She was instrumental in the Delaware County Fair Demolition Derby for over 30 years.

In her younger years, Joyce enjoyed adult softball and was nicknamed “slugger” by her children; she was an avid bowler and played in area leagues; enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, boating, and car racing with Team Butcher; tended her flower gardens, her pets, and all the events her family and family’s children were a part of. She loved all sporting events and enjoyed watching “March Madness,” often staying up late to finish watching a game. She loved to drive and was proud that she never had an accident. Sunday dinners were important to her: she loved to cook and bake. She was known for her ginger snaps, pies, and love for ice cream. She lit up when any of the grandchildren/great-grandchildren came to visit and she was always ready for anything they wanted to do. She was fondly known as “Grandma Chocolate” to some, as she always had chocolate candy in a dish available in her home. Her sense of humor was enjoyed, always had a kind word, had the patience of an angel, and her family meant everything to her.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Webler of Downsville; a sister, Louise Gregor of High Falls; her children, Stacey Mattson and Mark (Julie) Butcher of Downsville, Rebecca (John) DeBarros of Paradise Valley, Ariz., and Robert (Lisa) Butcher of East Long Meadow, Mass; her stepchildren, Fay (Ken) Atkinson of Bradenton, Fla., Melody (Steve) Alexander of Indianapolis, Ill., Keith (Mary Ellen) Webler of Fall River, Mass. and Tory (Denise) Webler of Walton; 19  grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and her beloved cat, Chrissy. 

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Christina (Conklin) Doig; two brothers, Roland and Paul Doig; her first husband, Robert Butcher; son-in-law Paul Burns; and best friend Katie Townsend.

Visitation was Tuesday, April 26, from 4-7 p.m. in the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Avenue, RoscoeY. Funeral services will be today, Wednesday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at the Colchester Community Church, Main Street, Downsville with the Rev. Christine Lindeberg officiating. Burial will be in Paige Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the James S. Moore American Legion Post 167, PO Box 104, Downsville, NY 13755, as she was very proud of her family serving in the military.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Avenue, Roscoe; 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200; www.Harris-FH.com.