Sadie Grace (Aluia) Joyce

Sadie Grace (Aluia) Joyce of Chatham, formerly of New City, New York and Naples, Florida died peacefully on June 15, 2021. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Jack with whom she shared 54 happy years of marriage and her daughter, Karen Joyce Franchini. She is survived by her children, Honorable Kathleen Coffey and her husband Joseph Coffey, Patricia Joyce, Michael Joyce and his wife Martha Olsen, John Joyce and his wife Lynne and daughter, Mary Jo and her husband Vinnie Cavalieri and son-in-law Marco Franchini. “Nana” was a beloved grandmother to Joe, Jacqueline, Patricia, Michael, Jennifer, Katie and Shannon.

Sadie was born in Terrasini, Sicily and immigrated to the United States settling in Detroit, Michigan at the age of three with her parents, Joseph and Grace Aluia, brother Joseph and sister, Nina where she attended Nativity of Our Lord Commercial High School and the Ruth Dorsey Business Institute. With her business background, quick wit and “good looks” she began a career in the Detroit Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a stenographer. It was there that she met her loving husband, John “Jack” Joyce who was a Special Agent. They were married in 1952 and raised their family of six children in Cresskill, New Jersey and New City, New York. When Jack retired from the FBI, he became the Director of Security for the National Basketball Association with Commissioner Walter Kennedy and with his successor, Commissioner Larry O’Brien. This position provided Sadie and Jack the opportunity to travel throughout the country and to enjoy countless adventures and sporting events.

Sadie’s life was defined by her strong faith, love of family and cherished friends. She enjoyed a long and healthy life. She was a devout Catholic and during her last months when she was suffering, her faith sustained her spirit of perpetual optimism and unwavering trust in God’s will. For over twenty years, Sadie was an active member of the Holy Redeemer Women’s Guild. She will be remembered fondly for her welcoming smile and kind heart. She was the proverbial ‘Italian Mother’. Warm hugs, good food and a full refrigerator were a mainstay in her home where family and guests were always encouraged to partake in a ‘second’ and oftentimes ‘third’ helping of savory dishes.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 19th at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to The Poor Clare Nuns of Boston, 920 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, Ma. 02130. Funeral Arrangements by Nickerson Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.