Joyce Unz Howard

Joyce Unz Howard, 86, of Taunton, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 14, 2011 surrounded by her family. A lifetime Syracuse resident, she was born on Saturday, December 6, 1924 and graduated from Central High School. She attended Syracuse University, Onondaga Community College, and Monroe Community College. Joyce worked in the lab of Brown-Lipe-Chapin Co. during World War II and taught driving for Parish Driving School. An L.P.N., she retired in 1987 from the surgery center of Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital after 36 years. Following retirement, she and her best friend of 80 years, Joann Brown, cruised around the world. Joyce was a former member of the Westvale Baptist Church and Taunton Memorial United Presbyterian Church, a member of VFW #4174 in Ft. Myers, FL, and the 25-year Club of Crouse Hospital. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, attended many games and loved animals, especially dogs. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Jack in 1969; mother, Pearl Van Camp Unz in 1947; and her father, Charles Unz in 1988. Surviving are her children, Lawrence J. Howard of Buffalo, Laurie Howard-Patnode and her husband, Randy Patnode of Baldwinsville and Linda and Steve Galaska of Syracuse; grandchildren, Catie Galaska and Sarah (Adam) Campbell; great-grandson, Jayden Campbell; several cousins; and her close friend from high school, Dorothy Smith Jacobson of Ft. Myers, Florida. Relatives and friends may call Sunday, April 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be Monday, April 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow in Onondaga Valley Cemetery, Syracuse. Contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to the SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211 or to Wanderers' Rest Humane Assn., P.O. Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032.