Joyce C. Tomcho

A memorial service celebrating the life of Joyce C. Tomcho, 85, of Granville, will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway, Granville with the Rev. Karen Chakoian officiating. Joyce died March 6, 2010 surrounded by her girls. She was born October 19, 1924 in Poughkeepsie, New York to the late Wilbert H. and Helen (Rauch) Cox.

A true matriarch of the family, Joyce was an advisor on all topics to her children and grandchildren. She was known as "Gabby" to all who loved her. She attended virtually every single sporting event, concert, or school play of her five grandchildren. She will most fondly be remembered as a loving mother, friend and grandmother that bonded the family together.

A member of First Presbyterian Church, Joyce was active with Deacon Parish Care and she was instrumental in planning and orchestrating all funeral receptions for over 20 years. In addition, until recently, she tirelessly visited church members in local nursing home monthly. She was a charter member of the Granville Lions Club and held several different offices over many years, most recently treasurer. She retired from Owens Corning Technical Center as an Executive Secretary.

In her youth, Joyce was an avid equestrian performing at Madison Square Garden and other venues; showing in jumping, hunt seat, and even barrel racing. Additionally, she enjoyed skiing, speed skating, and was an avid golfer. An active participant in the lives of her daughters, Joyce was always known as someone who would "be there"; whether holding tack for a horseshow, grooming a dog for 4-H, leading a Girl Scout camping trip or editing a college term paper. She loved the ocean, vacationing with her family and cuddling up with her precious dogs and cats.

A strong advocate for higher education, she graduated from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire.

Surviving are her daughters and son-in-laws, Nancie and Dr. Michael Snyder, Suzi and Joseph Lebovitz, and Judy Peterson and her friend John Duhl, all of Granville; grandchildren Julia and Evan Snyder, Kaitlyn, and Abby Lebovitz, Krystina Peterson Duhl and spouse J. W. Duhl. Joyce is also survived by her niece, Chris Muller Krause and her nephew William Muller.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband George S. Tomcho who died February 25, 1970 and two sisters, Doris Raymond and Dawn Muller.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 19th from 5 to 7 p.m. in the East Lounge at the church. Arrangements are in the care of McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home in Granville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Granville or House of Samuel Inc. adoption agency and foster care ( http:// houseofsamuel.net/).