Joyce Floryne Gartenberg

Born on April 24, 1930, in Newark, NJ, to Nathan and Lee Perselay, Joyce grew up in Hillside, NJ, close to her extended family. She graduated from Hillside High School and later attended Rutgers University in Newark, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Later in life, she returned to school to obtain a teaching certificate from Kean College in Elizabeth, NJ.

A chance encounter at the Jersey shore led Joyce to meet Richard Gartenberg, who would become her husband in 1953. Together, they raised four children in Livingston and Convent Station, NJ. To live closer to the shore, Joyce moved to Manchester Township, NJ before settling in Bellevue, WA near her children.

After raising her kids and earning her teaching certification, Joyce began teaching remedial math at the elementary school level. Later, she used her skills and creativity to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults, inspiring and learning from her students.

Joyce was ahead of her time, in her 30’s she started practicing yoga and in her late 40s, she and her husband embraced the running craze, participating in numerous 5K races. Her enthusiasm for running continued well into her 80s, earning her many medals and ribbons.

During her early 50s, Joyce faced the challenge of her husband’s cancer diagnosis, followed by Alzheimer’s disease. She became Richard’s primary caregiver until he required skilled nursing care. Seeking support, Joyce connected with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey, where she attended support groups and volunteered. Her dedication led her to become a speaker, sharing her experiences with pharmaceutical companies, health fairs, care facilities, and schools. In 1996, she was honored as a volunteer by the Morris County Freeholders (now Morris County Commissioners).

After Richard’s passing, Joyce’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the world with the Sierra Club. She traveled extensively, with Africa holding a special place in her heart. On one of her three visits there, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, proudly holding a sign that read “Conquer Alzheimer’s Disease.” Her journey was celebrated in local NJ papers and recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association. Joyce’s travels also took her to China, Thailand, Burma (now Myanmar), England, France, and on the Orient Express. She lived by the motto, “keep moving and find new adventures.”

Joyce is predeceased by her husband Richard, her son Gary, and her brother, Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Perselay. She is survived by Gerry’s wife, sister-in-law Audrey Perselay of Staunton, VA; Gary’s wife, daughter-in-law Holly Gartenberg of Rapid City, SD; her daughter Jill Corson and son-in-law Dr. Richard Zager of Mercer Island, WA; daughter Jane Harris and son-in-law John Harris of Poolesville, MD; and son David Gartenberg and daughter-in-law Jo Gartenberg of Bellevue, WA. Joyce was blessed with ten grandchildren, whom she affectionately called her “baseball team and cheerleader,” and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Joyce will be held on Sunday, August 4th at 11:00 am at Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, NJ, followed by a burial next to her husband at B’nai Abraham Memorial Park in Union, NJ.

In honor of Joyce’s life, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey.

A life well lived. ♥