IN MEMORIAM: Joy M. Sanders, 72;

Navy Vet Sang With Sweet Adelines

WELCOME – Joy M. (nee Miller) Sanders, of the Hamlet of Welcome, Town of New Lisbon, died on Aug. 26, 2019, from complications related to her long-term battle with cancer.

A Memorial Service of Holy Communion will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 1 Center St., Oneonta NY 13820, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, led by Pr. Paul Messner. A reception follows the service.  Friends are invited to bring cookies or other finger foods.

She was born on June 10, 1947, in Franklin Square, Long Island.  She was the daughter of Adolph (“Art”) Miller and Alba Miller. She served in the Navy in 1965-68, and never lost her enthusiasm for travel.

She moved to California twice in her life, but always called New York, her home. For many years she has lived at her family’s camp home in northwestern Otsego County.

Joy was active in a number of community organizations and ministries.  She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, West Burlington, serving as treasurer the last several years.  St. John is a member congregation of the Otsego County Lutheran Parish (OCLP).

She was a longtime member of the City of the Hills Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. She had a strong lead voice and served on the Board of Directors and several committees. She sang with 2 of the Chorus’ quartets, “Fancy That” and “Four Day Weekend”.

Joy had a wonderful sense of humor and a strong work ethic.  Among other events, she participated in the annual Relay for life to benefit cancer patients. As a veteran herself, she kept the care for her fellow veterans close to her heart. She inspired the chorus to add several patriotic songs to its repertoire. At her suggestion, the Chorus goes to the Veterans Home, Oxford NY   to give an annual concert.

Her ongoing concern for those in need was exemplified by her participation in the Jail Ministry of Otsego County, at the Otsego County Correctional Facility,  helping to lead Sunday services and do one on one visitation with inmates, for many years, and her service to a number of young people as a foster mom.

Joy is survived by her son, Jesse Sanders (Maggie)  of northern Virginia, and two grandsons, Jackson and Jasper.

Memorial Gifts in Joy’s name may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 2546 St Hwy 80, West Burlington, NY 13482; to the City of the Hills Chorus, c/o Sue Dana, treasurer, at Atonement Lutheran;  or to the American Cancer Society.