ARKPORT – Joyce D. Howe, 89, of 7 East Avenue, Arkport, passed away peacefully at home, attended by her family members, on Sunday (May 3, 2015), following a lengthy illness. She was born in North Hornell, October 30, 1925 the daughter of the late LeGrande and Cecile (DaVern) McCarthy. On September 28, 1946, she married Jack (“Bing”) Howe, who survives.
Joyce was a 1943 graduate of Arkport Central School, and attended Cortland State Teacher’s College. During World War II she worked in war industry on B-29 bombers. Joyce was a successful business woman, and for many years served as Post Master of the Arkport Post Office. In addition, she served as an officer of the International Society of Post Masters (ISPM), and the National Association of Post Masters. She and her husband traveled to many countries throughout the world in connection with her ISPM duties. She never failed to send post cards to her children and grand-children from the countries she visited. Joyce was also an active member of the Canisteo Historical Society as well as the Business and Professional Women’s Association. At the time of her death, she was the longest continuous member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church.
From an early age, Joyce loved to dance. She would seldom leave the dance floor if music was playing. As a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, she enjoyed camping with her family, and especially enjoyed visits to the family owned pond in Arkport. Joyce was a loving mother, grand-mother, and great-grand mother, who treasured every moment spent with her family.
Surviving besides her husband of more than 68 years, “Bing” Howe, are sons Jack (Donna) Howe, of Lake Havasu City, AZ; and Donel (Lisa) Howe, of Arkport; a daughter, Kelly (Larry) Rose of Howard; as well as her seven grand-children; Kimberlee Howe, Ryan (Jodi) Howe, Jason Rose, Charles (Marisa) Howe, Kristy Rose, Michelle (Kevin) Gilmore, and Jamie Rose; four great-grandchildren, Logan and Kaleb Howe of Arkport; Kennedy and John Gilmore, Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by a brother, Dean (Carolyn) McCarthy, of Hornell; sister-in-law, Marie Brands, Arkport; and brother-in-law, DuWayne (Carol) Howe, New Port Richey, FL; in addition to several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive callers from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday (May 6, 2015), at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main Street, Hornell. A funeral service will be conducted at the Arkport Presbyterian Church, 15 Main Street, at 11:00 a.m., Thursday (May 7, 2015), with a graveside service to follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport. Donations can be made to the Arkport Presbyterian Church; or to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, N.Y. 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences or remembrances for Joyce are welcome and can be directed to: www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
