Joy U. Stonier, age 81, resident and dedicated member of the Milford community for more than 50 years, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Milford Health Care.
Born in Rutland, VT on September 9, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Madeline Bedore Underwood. The oldest of five children, Joy helped with the chores and the raising of her siblings.
During her many years as a Milford resident, Joy was involved in many community activities as co-founder of the Rape Crisis Center and past president of the Milford Hospital Auxiliary. In 1994 the Literacy Center of Milford was created by Joy, and she was the executive director for 15 years until her retirement.
She was active in all her children’s activities, loved gardening and her quest for “adventures in nature” made her a world traveler. She was a devoted member of the First United Church of Christ Congregational and as a pillar of the Milford community, she will be regarded and remembered for her dedication, passion and caring. Her friends and family will always cherish her huge sense of humor and her love of life.
She is survived by her children; Linda Stonier and her spouse Carol Isen of Berkeley, CA, Susan Bracco and her husband Martin, and David Stonier, Jr. all of Milford; grandchildren, Amalia, Sarah, Spencer, Benjamin, Wilson and Jackson; sister, Jeanne Zwiebel and brother, Raymond Underwood and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband David Stonier, Sr., and brothers, Richard and Jack Underwood.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 10:30 am at First United Church of Christ Congregational, 34 W. Main St., Milford, CT. 06460. Burial will be private and there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are being handled by the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Literacy Center of Milford, 16 Dixon St., Milford, CT 06460 or the First United Church of Christ Congregational, 34 W. Main St., Milford, CT 06460 or to Constellation Hospice, 240 Indian River Rd., Orange, CT 06477.
To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.