Mrs. Joyce Elizabeth Derry
Mrs. Joyce Elizabeth Derry, 84, died peacefully on Jan. 3, 2021 at Avow Hospice, Naples, Fla. She was born in Medina, NY Jan. 8, 1936 to John and Estelle Gracey of Middleport, NY. Her passion was her family and serving her community. She will be best remembered for her mark as an educator in the Medina Central School System. She began her teaching career in Medina in 1955, under a special probationary teaching certificate, prior to graduating Magna Cum Laude from Brockport State Teachers College in 1961. She held numerous teaching and administrative positions in the district over the years and is probably best remembered as the first female principal in the school district at Towne Elementary School, where she was principal from 1982-1991.
She was also wellknown for her work with AFS (American Field Service) where she and her husband Richard (deceased) served as co-presidents for over 15 years bringing foreign exchange students from around the world to Medina, NY to learn about life in the United States and for the people of Medina to learn about foreign cultures.
Her husband of 64 years Richard Derry preceded Joyce in death in May of 2020. She is survived by daughters Lisa Boyer and husband Alan of Rochester, NY; grandchildren Robert Boyer and Tricia Titus and husband Gerald; Carole Oaks and husband Andrew of Oaks Corner, NY; grandchildren Dr. Zachary Oaks and wife Kristine; Abigail Sturgis and husband William; Dr. Alexandria Hlinka and husband Jonathan; John Theodore Oaks and wife Chloe; son John Derry and wife Christine of Springboro, Ohio; grandson Nicholas; and six great-grandchildren. She is survived by sisters Judy Ehrenreich & JoAnne Efthemis and brother John Gracey.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring staff and physicians at Avow Hospice and Naples Community Hospital in Naples, Fla. They are truly angels on earth.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, a memorial service will be held later this year in Western New York. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local hospice or to Avow Hospice in Naples, FL in honor of Joyce Derry.
