Joyce Stillman

Joyce Stillman of New York, New York, lost her short and intense battle with Leukemia on Saturday, September 30, 2023. She was 84. She was an amazing mom to Karen and myself - always guiding us, protecting us, pushing us forward with a can-do attitude, giving us confidence and making us laugh - which we did a lot. She was our greatest supporter. And an incredible mother-in-law to Amy and Dan. She was also a loving wife to my Dad ( Bob) to whom she was married for over 62 years.

For those of you who knew my mom, she was larger than life. She had more capacity for love, empathy and understanding than anyone I have ever known - traits she inherited from her own mother. She was full of energy and always up for an adventure with her dear friends and family. Nothing could slow her down. She was very proud of her Brooklyn heritage and had incredible memories of her summers at Camp Sequoia in Rock Hill, NY - she could still sing the camp songs with enthusiasm (and often did).

She loved her family more than anything and her grandchildren Jaret, Eric, Josh, Bridget and Alex were without question her pride and joy. She also loved her extended family which included aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers & sisters-in-law and many others. This extended family also includes her “ Joyce fan club” which includes so many friends who considered her family as she did with them. She had “sisters” that were an unbelievable source of strength and fun for her. So many people called her “Aunt Joyce” because they all felt like her family. She was the most generous person I have ever met - and I am not alone. The outpouring of support from everyone these last few days has been astounding and we are overwhelmed by the anecdotes, heartfelt messages of how much she meant to them and expressions of love. She was incredibly beloved.

In her professional life, my mom made choices that reflected her personality. She became a special education teacher in the New York City public school system - teaching and advocating for those children least able to advocate for themselves. She became a marriage and family therapist who helped countless people through difficult times. There was never a problem she didn’t want to try to help solve. It was her calling.

Mom - we will miss you more than you can ever know - although I suspect you knew how much you were loved. We weren’t shy about it. While it feels surreal that I cannot just pick up the phone and call you - I hope you don’t mind if I speak to you from time to time. I’ll talk, you listen. Your voice is always in my head and know that the values you held dear are firmly ingrained in your family and will continue your remarkable legacy.

We love you mom and thank you for being you - you will always be remembered with love

A funeral service for Joyce will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home, 352 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128. A committal service will occur Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704. A shivah will occur Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 5:30 PM at Family's Residence.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.walterbcooke.net for the Stillman family.