MALTA - Joyce C. Gagnon, 73, of Thimbleberry Road, died Monday, March 6th at her residence, in the company of her loving family. Born in Troy, September 23, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Marion Lange and Joseph Vitrella (son of Josephine Vitrella).
A 1961 graduate of Mechanicville High School, Joyce was proud of her job as a beauty consultant for Mary Kay, because it allowed her to not only build a huge clientele of hundreds of ladies, but loyal and loving friends throughout the years. Also, she had previously worked for JC Penny in Wilton Mall, Saratoga County Republican Party as a poll worker, Price Chopper in Mechanicville, and Golden’s Drug Store as a young woman.
Joyce was a dynamic force of nature, that worked tirelessly and generously, to serve people in need. Joyce was a longtime member of the Assumption-St. Paul Church, Mechanicville and while there had acted as a catechist, was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Rosary Society, the Church Choir and was a longtime volunteer for Meals On Wheels. Upon moving to Saratoga Springs in 1985, she joined St. Clements Church, Saratoga Springs, where she continued her generosity, acting again as a catechist and Eucharistic Minister for shut-ins and for those requesting communion at Saratoga Hospital.
In her spare time, she enjoyed playing and watching tennis. She was an extremely talented artist, and enjoyed painting and drawing. She was also an avid reader. Joyce was a dedicated wife and mother, always ready to help and support the ones she loved. With a warm and quick sense of humor, she was always ready with the right words of laughter and wisdom to make you smile and laugh.
Joyce is survived in love by her husband of 52 years Paul J. Gagnon, Sr., whom she married on April 4th 1964. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they shared their special day with son Matthew and Wife Alicia, as they were married on that day. Children: Blaise(Debra) and Paul(Carrie) Jr., both of Navarre, FL, Monica Anne(Allen Jr.) Hills and Matthew(Alicia) of Saratoga Springs, grandchildren; John(Viktoriia) Hulsey, Miranda(Shawn) Madl, Christopher Bseirani, Lauren(Steven) Manning, Olivia Rebecca, Elizabeth(Tristan) Houk, Paul III “PJ”, Allen III “Fella” and Joyce Angelina Hills, great grandchildren; Julian, Jianna Hulsey, and Garret Manning, a niece Lori Ann(Tom) Chapin and nephew Dwayne St. Claire. In addition to her parents and grandparents, Joyce was predeceased by her sister Marlene (Vitrella)St. Claire.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 12:15 PM at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 121 North Main St., Mechanicville, with burial to follow in the Saratoga National Cemetery. Calling hours at the Church will be held prior to the mass from 10AM till 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Fr. Joe Scerbo Ministry Center, 52 William Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118.

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