Joyce Ann Czerenda

Joyce Ann Czerenda, 70, of Berkshire, NY, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025. Born on February 28, 1955, Joyce lived a life grounded in love, guided by faith, and defined by an extraordinary compassion for everyone around her. She is now reunited in peace with her loving parents Rudolph and Florence (Owens) Indick, her son Carl Joseph Czerenda, and brothers Michael and John Indick.

Joyce was one of the kindest, most selfless souls you could ever meet. She had an open heart, always ready to offer a helping hand, a warm embrace, or a listening ear. Her ability to comfort others, to truly see those who were vulnerable or in need, was a rare and beautiful gift—and one she shared freely and selflessly, every day of her life.

Her deep empathy and gentle nature were reflected in her work. As a classroom aide at Newark Valley Central Schools, Joyce touched countless young lives with her patience, kindness, and quiet strength. She later served as a case worker for Head Start, where her nurturing presence made a lasting impact on families and children who needed not only guidance, but genuine love and understanding.

Joyce’s caregiving extended beyond the classroom. She spent her life lifting others up—and together with her husband Carl, opened their home to over 30 foster children. Each child was welcomed with the same boundless love, and many carried that love with them long after they left her care. Joyce and Carl were even recognized by the Tioga County Department of Social Services for their unwavering dedication as foster parents, though Joyce never sought praise—only the chance to give.

At home, Joyce was the heart and soul of her family. She and Carl celebrated 50 years of marriage this past March, a love story that began when they met at 18 at Hancock Air Force Base. Their love was immediate, deep, and enduring. As soon as they met, Carl knew he would marry Joyce - that she was “not like the other girls.” Throughout their marriage, Carl often noted how Joyce had saved his life. Joyce was told she would never have kids and after dedicating years to fostering children in need, Joyce had children of her own. They raised three miracle children—Nick, Casie, and Keri—each one cherished beyond words. Joyce was deeply proud of the people they became: Nick, a strong devoted father; Casie, a compassionate and skilled nurse practitioner; and Keri, a talented musician with strength and independence that reminded Joyce of herself.

Joyce was also a beloved grandmother to Christopher, Edward, and Caleb, spending as much time with her grandsons as possible. She shared a special bond with her sister Kathy (George) Giordano - the two were like twins, together through good and bad. She was also a loyal and caring sister to Jimmy Indick, helping to watch over him when they were young. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends—including Lynn Verduin and Brian Trippany, her best friends of 30 years, and their daughters Janelle and Kaitlin—to whom she was like a second mother.

Her faith was the heartbeat of her life. As a devoted member of the Church of the Holy Family in Endwell, NY, Joyce lived her beliefs through action—always placing others’ needs before her own. Even as she faced cancer with courage and grace, she never lost her gentle spirit or her faith-filled optimism.

Joyce had a creative soul, too. She loved painting pottery, crafting, and tending her garden—simple joys that reflected her love and talent for nurturing life in all its forms. She and Carl found great joy in traveling, taking 23 cruises together and creating memories full of love and warmth.

Above all, Joyce’s legacy is one of love: unconditional, generous, and quietly powerful. She lived to care for others, and the impact of her compassion will live on in every life she touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Family, 300 Phyllis Street, Endwell, NY. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 until the service at 12 PM.

Memories and condolences can be shared in her online guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com. The family is under the caring guidance of MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley, NY.