Joyce A. Peters

Joyce A. Peters, 70, of Mansfield CT passed away peacefully Tuesday April 3, 2012. Born and raised in Biddeford Maine, she was the daughter of Cora Louise and James Albert Merryman. She is predeceased by her sister Faith Merryman DeFayette of Biddeford Maine. She leaves behind her son J Michael Peters and his wife Tracey A. Garbarino of Marlborough CT. She leaves her adoring granddaughters Elizabeth and Lauren Peters to cherish her memory. She leaves her cousin Robert Clarke of Biddeford Maine, her brother in law Milton and nephew Sam DeFayette of Biddeford Maine, and her stepson Dante D'Elia of NC. Joyce worked tirelessly as an advocate for people with disabilities since her first position at Mansfield Training School in the 1960's. She assumed a position at HARC in 1969 and worked in various capacities until retiring in 2009 as Vice President of Programs and Services. During her 40 years at HARC she was instrumental in assisting clients in entering the work world and live independently. She received a proclamation from the governor for her work with a day named in her honor. Despite her own physical ailments throughout the years she never lost sight of what was important to her, helping others in time of need. Joyce will be greatly missed by her many friends. She was a creative and vibrant woman who lived each day to the fullest. Creating stained glass, collecting antiques, going to the theater or shopping at Japanalia were just a few of her hobbies. She loved to travel and experience new cultures as evidenced by her time spent in Russia, New Zealand and South Korea. She was never far from her Maine roots, spending time at her beach house and maintaining her friendships with childhood friends. Joyce mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her grandchildren gave her true happiness. She was a UConn basketball fan enjoying the woman's wins and accomplishments. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to First United Methodist Church, 29 Puddin Lane Mansfield Center CT 06250 or to HARC 900 Asylum Avenue Hartford CT 06105. Her family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday April 5, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. Her funeral service will be held on Friday April 6th at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, 29 Puddin La., Mansfield. Burial will be held Saturday April 7th at 11:00am at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco, Maine. For online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .