Joyce Irene Benedict of Angola, NY, passed away on April 18, 2026.

Born in Lackawanna, NY, Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Roberta (née Jessome) and Stephen Benedict, and the youngest of five siblings: Edward, Helen, Mary Lucille “Marylou,” and Catherine “Kelly.” She was proud of her roots and of being part of her family’s first generation in the United States—her mother from Little Brador, Nova Scotia, and her father from Austria.

Joyce grew up in Bethlehem Village, known simply as “the Village,” a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. It was there she formed an unbreakable bond with her lifelong friends, Mary Green and Mary Roach. The three shared countless memories, including their bold decision after graduating from Lincoln School to attend just one day of high school before setting out together to begin working—a choice that spoke to Joyce’s independent spirit even at a young age. In 1956, she began her career with the New York Telephone Company, where she worked for many years.

Joyce carried that same determination and strength into every part of her life. She became a member of the Buffalo Board of Realtors and worked in real estate throughout the 1970s and 1980s, all while dedicating herself fully to her home and family. She was a loving wife to her late husband, Thomas J. Stack, and a devoted mother to her son, Thomas C. Stack (Jeannine). Joyce had a natural ability to care for others—whether managing her own rental properties, starting a business alongside her husband, becoming certified in child day care, or opening her home and heart to those who needed her.

Her devotion to family was perhaps most evident in the loving care she gave her father, who lived with her for over 30 years until his passing at the age of 91. Joyce gave of herself selflessly, always putting those she loved first.

Nothing brought her more joy than her growing family. She cherished her role as grandmother to Austin (Farrah), Reid (Maria), Harris, and Scarlett, and later as great-grandmother to Silas, Arthur, Cora, and Dalton. She took great pride in each of them and found happiness in the moments they shared together.

Joyce also found love and companionship for over 30 years with Robert Hilliker, with whom she shared many years of friendship, laughter, and support.

In her later years, Joyce’s creative spirit flourished. She became a member of the Academy of American Poets and expressed herself through both poetry and painting. She saw beauty in the world around her and believed deeply in signs and messages from God, often finding comfort and meaning in the little things that others might overlook.

Joyce will be remembered for her strength, her independence, her creativity, and most of all, her deep love for her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and unwavering devotion.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2900 South Park Avenue, Lackawanna, NY, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11 AM. Kindly assemble at the South Park entrance