Obituary of Joyce E. Oravitz

HUDSON FALLS:

On February 9, 2024, Joyce Eileen Oravitz passed away at Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls NY. Born on June 6, 1945, to James and Edna Kelly in Kearny, NJ, she was the middle of 3 children. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Leonard Oravitz of Hudson Falls, NY, her 2 children Kristine Germain (Timothy Krachkowski) of South Glens Falls, NY and Kevin DaSilva (Rubina) of The Woodlands, TX, her brothers James Kelly (Grace) of Chapel Hill, NC and John Kelly (Kathy) of Nutley, NJ, her 2 step-children Karen Paulis and Nicholas Oravitz and her 5 grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

After graduating from North Arlington High School in 1963, Joyce went on to a career in clerical work for various companies over her lifetime. She earned her Associate Degree in Business Management in 1999 from Butler County Community College in Butler, PA, and was awarded the American Association of University Women Scholarship Award and National Honor Society- Cum Laude.

Joyce loved working with her hands and enjoyed many hobbies. She always had her trusty sewing machine close by, whether it was for a quilt for a newborn, clothes for herself or family, curtains for windows, or a hem before a wedding.  She enjoyed her collection of antiques, especially her antique dolls.  She would stage her collection throughout her home, not just sitting on a shelf but displayed in an antique high chair or crib. She was a master at crochet and knitting, creating gorgeous blankets that she would gift to friends, family, and almost anyone who needed one. Joyce also loved to get her hands dirty and no task was too big or too small. She had no hesitation in remodeling her home, building shelves, making decorations, or tending to her large family of plants.

Joyce always wanted to be around her family and friends, and if you were not her friend, give her five minutes to talk with you and you would be. She had an infectious laugh that would relax you and had a humility that would charm you. She enjoyed a good tease, but be ready to receive a tease in return. No holiday was ever overlooked as a reason to gather those she cared about to cook for and create new decorations to make it just a bit more festive. With her family spread out across the country, the family knew not to go by the calendar to celebrate a particular holiday.  Joyce planned holidays to be celebrated during the annual summer family reunion.

Joyce went by many names, Mrs. Oravitz, daughter, sister, ma, mom, Grandma, Aunt Joyce, sister-in-law, step-mom, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. We will miss her laugh at a good story, her ear when we needed to talk, her shoulder to cry on, her hug when you visited, and her heart that loved us.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate a book in her name to your local library.

The family will be hosting a luncheon at Cate’s Italian Garden in Bolton Landing, NY on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 1pm – 3:30pm followed by a candlelight memorial at The Blue Water Manor in Bolton Landing, NY at 5:30pm.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.