"I am very sad to hear of Joyce?s passing; I knew her. In the late 1970?s when a group of us shared a house together in Plymouth where we were studying for our Degrees. Joyce was gentle, kind and full of fun. I can remember her ?bobby socks?, which she wore with panache, and her happy, chatty ways. One night we were all in the sitting room and I put some chestnuts in the fire to roast, but didn?t know you were supposed to prick them. When I put the dish into the middle of the room, they exploded, creating screams of fright and laughter combined. The tiny bits of chestnut stuck to the carpet... and Joyce?s bobby socks. Bless you, Joyce... you were such fun to house share with. Rest in Peace, old friend. Libby (Elizabeth) Struthers, (nee Keen) Warwick UK. "
In loving memory of
Joyce M. Clements
May 13, 1952 - March 2, 2021
Joyce Clements (née Geoghegan), passed quietly at her home in Warwick, Rhode Island on the evening of March 2nd in the company of her son Charlie and his partner Chloe Jankowitz. She is survived by her brother Joe macEochagáin of Corr na Móna, Co. Galway, sister-in-law Mary, nieces Niamh with husband Gordon, Béibhionn with husband Ciarán, nephews Connla, and Cian with wife Paula, and the grand nieces and nephews whom she adored so much. Her humor and intellect will be forever missed by family members, close friends, and admiring colleagues far too numerous to name, though always in her heart and on her voice. A memorial will be held at her house (and over Zoom) on her birthday, May 13th. Funeral services will be held later in the year, with subsequent burial alongside her mother and father Aideen and Cathal Geoghegan at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
Joyce's work in Massachusetts archeology, as well as her advocacy for Indigenous communities--particularly in amplifying the voices of Native women, and, always, women everywhere--expressed the dignity, kindness, empathy, and dedication her friends and loved ones knew so well. She had until recently taught at Salve Regina University and, until the very end, remained hard at work on a study of the early Hugenot families of Rhode Island.
Arrangements entrusted to Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay Street, Taunton, MA 02780. For directions or to leave an online condolence please visit www.r-mfh.com.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy to Charlie, Joe and family. I am glad to have very good memories of Joyce and her thoughtfulness, kindness and intelligence. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered. Sarah Meehan O\'Callaghan "
"We knew Joyce briefly through letters ( and my son drawing her pictures) as my wife and her both had cancer diagnoses, though we feel we knew her quite well through our dear friend Charlie: gentleness, kindness, an unassuming intelligence and tender heart. We?re Sorry for such a tremendous loss and relieved Joyce?s suffering is over. The Marshalls"
"Dear Charlie, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I met Joyce at her volunteer job in Warwick and we became friends and lunch buddies over the last decade. She was the kindest, most interesting and witty person, and I loved spending time with her. She will be greatly missed. Peace to you all. Sue Eleoff "
"My sincerest condolences to Joyce\'s family and friends at this sad time."
"David Tanham. Heartfelt sympathy to Charlie Joe and family on Joyce\'s sad passing. She fought a brave fight but it proved too much for her. I am left with the cherished memories of us growing up together and throughout our lives. Our families were very close She was the most beautiful person engaging, intelligent and kind. RIP gentle cousin. \'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h\'anam dílis\'"
"Deepesr sympathy to Charlie, Joe and his extended family on Joyce\'s passing. What a sad loss she will be to this world. We are going to miss her so very much. Fly free my friend. Rosaleen"
"Dear Charlie, Your mom was courageous. She touched my life and I feel privileged that I could help care for her. My heart and prayers go out to you and her family. She will me missed and remembered for her grace, intelligence and strength. With deepest sympathy, Mary Lopresti "
"Joyce was the first person I met in grad school in Boston in the 1980s, and I was drawn in by her wit and graceful warmth, those bright eyes and that lovely voice. We spent many hours together in the archaeology lab and drank many cups of tea at her cozy house. We didn?t see each other much after grad school but luckily for me she was a wonderful correspondent who made you feel like you were part of her life. She was a truly kind and generous and loving person, I will miss her. I?m so sorry for your loss, Charlie."
"I met Joyce in 1967 when we attended Holy Cross High school in Saskatoon. It was a wonderful friendship through all these years. We did not see much of each other after she moved back to Ireland and then the USA, but always kept in touch by phone calls or email. She was so witty and insightful and always had such a way of looking at life. My condolences to you Charlie on the profound loss of your Mom; and to Joe and family on the loss of your sister and aunt. "
"I wish I had more time to spend with Joyce. She was such a gentle, insightful woman, who was so courageous in her fight for life. I was drawn to her immediately when she joined our Zoom church. I?m deeply grateful for the sharing we did via texts.. She enriched my life . I?m sure she is at peace- am happy for her - but I miss her."
"Joyce was a new member of the house church I lead. I have known her for several years as an attendee at many \"picnics of the deck\" that I hosted for many years before Covid-19. She joined us in our Sunday morning zoom services, and her gentleness, her wisdom, and her grace-filled sharings were true gfts for all of us. Peace be with you now, Joyce--you deserve it! "
"Joyce\'s fieldwork, research, and writing benefitted many. She was distinguished also for her graceful reserve, wisdom, and kindness. "
"Joyce, I will honor your memory forever. "
"Joyce you will be missed, From your nephew Connla"