Joyce A. Washburn

Joyce A. Washburn, age 85, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2025 at Florida Lawnwood Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born on April 23, 1939 in Constable, NY, to Lawrence and Catherine (Fountain) Fleury. She was the eldest and only girl with five brothers. She attended schools in Constable and Malone, NY graduating from Franklin Academy in 1957. Joyce attended cosmetology school in North Tonawanda, NY earning her NY State hairdressing license.

 Although Joyce said she was “retired”, she continued giving haircuts for over 67 years. All her customers were treated as family or friends. 

 On June 7,1958, Joyce married Robert Washburn, of Wilmington NY. Their life together began in Plattsburgh, NY, moved throughout the North Country and then on to Malone NY where Joyce worked as a K-Mart associate. Their journey, due to Robert's employment with U.S. Customs, continued to Mississauga, Ontario, and then on to Cooper City and Pembroke Pines, FL. While Robert worked, Joyce provided loving childcare for children of neighbors and friends. They eventually settled in Fort Pierce, FL. at Golden Ponds where Joyce has called “home” for more than 33 years. Bob and Joyce loved to travel in their RV to Lake Okeechobee and also attended many NASCAR races as devoted Earnhardt fans.

 Joyce is survived by her companion, Ray McIntosh, of Fort Pierce, FL and her four children, Bob (Carol) Washburn of Dexter, NY; Lynn Roy (Randy) of Potsdam, NY, Darcy Roy of Rockledge FL, and Michael Washburn of Lake Worth, FL. She will be missed greatly by her eight grandchildren, Tara Holley (Nate), Ashley Hellinger (Brian), Aimee Roy, Elise Cole (Ryan), Matthew Roy, Deanna Gill (Sean), Ryan Washburn and Reagan Washburn. Joyce loved her role as great-grandmother or “GG” to Nathan and Rilee Hellinger, Aubrey and Morgan Cole.

 Surviving Siblings are Lawrence Fleury (Kathy) of Malone, NY, Rick Fleury (Lisa) of Queensbury, NY and Randy Fleury (Marlene) of Moreland, Ga. Sister-in-law, Brenda Fleury of Constable, NY, wife of brother, Daniel, also survives. Joyce was blessed with many nieces and nephews. 

 Joyce will be reunited with those who have predeceased her including her husband, Robert Washburn; parents, Lawrence and Catherine Fleury; brothers, James Fleury and Daniel Fleury; and daughter-in-law, Beth (Gill) Washburn. Anson and Kathlyn Washburn, father and mother-in-law, also preceded her in death.

 Joyce will be remembered for her love of crafts, especially crocheting and knitting mittens for children and helmet beanies for soldiers. She enjoyed card-playing, doing ceramics and playing bingo as well. However, “thrifting” and dancing were her favorites! To celebrate her 80th birthday, Joyce parachuted from a plane to her family and friends waiting below. She landed safely.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 1 - 4 pm at the club house at Golden Ponds. Calling hours followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Constable NY in June. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, American Cancer Society, P.O Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to a charity of one's choosing.