Joyce M. Ghidotti, 91

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Joyce M. (Sweeney) Ghidotti passed from this life at her home early Thursday morning, June 6th in the presence of her family. Joyce was 91 years old, having been born in Adams, Massachusetts on January 4, 1933. She moved to North Adams in May 1953 when she married her late husband John L. Ghidotti who died in April 2022. She is the last of her siblings to pass as she is predeceased by her sisters Barbara and Shirley, and brothers John (Jack) and Clarence (Buddy).

A vast portion of her summers as a child were spent at Aunty Helen’s house in Albany, NY. There she played with her cousins Barb, Pat, and Jackie, who she considered her sisters. She loved her childhood summers and throughout her life spoke fondly of the memories of going to the beach or the park.

After high school, Joyce began her adult life working at Sprague Electric Company where she met her husband. Her life revolved around her family. Joyce and John were married 69 years and gave birth to six children that commenced a wonderful legacy. She spent the early years of their marriage as a mother and homemaker that naturally resulted in a hectic life. She was able to balance her responsibilities as a mother of four boys and two girls who each were extremely active. She maintained a loving and highly functional home. Her exuding warmth was ubiquitous and always a welcome to her children's many friends. There was typically a counter covered with delicious baked goods as she was quite accomplished as a baker. She was notorious for birthday cakes individually crafted for the given grandchild. Each cake was made to perfection and primarily filled with love to meet the grandchild’s wish. Grandma used her remarkable talent to create a birthday cake to the precisely desired flavor and design. Her creations of Barney, Sponge Bob Square Pants, a particular superhero, or whatever desired character came to life and melted in mouths. Additionally, Joyce was an excellent cook. Italian food was one of her staples. Thursday Pasta Night at the Ghidotti Household was special and vastly filled with laughter and gentle or not-so-gentle sibling jabs. Each week the homestead was bountiful with a mountain of pasta and a large and ravenous crowd pushing the boundary of the table, but most importantly abounding with love.

Joyce still found time to do more for her family. She was an active member of the Drury Mom's Club while her children were involved with sports at high school. She was active in her church and was a member of the then St Anthony of Padua women volunteer group. Once her children were grown Joyce capitalized on her cooking skills. She reentered the workforce as a cafeteria manager at Greylock School and moonlighted as she baked pies for the Captain’s Table.

Her most notable accomplishment was being a matriarch. It was all about family for Joyce. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren immensely that was evidenced by the myriads of family pictures and photos on the walls throughout her house. She loved every one of them with her whole heart making them feel special and conversely every one of them loved her. She always sported a beautiful smile and offered a welcoming demeanor filled with unlimited kindness and a warm spirit. Her welcoming disposition will be sorely missed and unfortunately replaced with an empty space in the heart of anyone who was fortunate to have known her.

Joyce leaves behind her six children and their partners including Craig and Gail (O’Grady) of Painesville, OH, Marc and Sheryl (Durant) of Douglas, MA, Lauren and Kenna (Utt) of Lewes, DE, as well as Gary and Audrey (Dumas), Gail and Michael Cozzaglio, and David and Carrie (Coury) all residing in North Adams. She additionally leaves 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Joyce Ghidotti will be celebrated Wednesday June 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview cemetery. A calling hour at the church will be Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.