Joyce M. (Marx) Ray Flynn Burlington God took Joyce Mildred (Marx) Ray Flynn, 83, loving mother and grandmother, back into his loving arms on December 31, 2010. Joyce was born in Westbury, Long Island, NY on December 8, 1927 daughter of the late Mildred (Keller) and Dr. Francis Marx. Predeceased at a young age by both parents, the family moved with her step-mother Peggy Ryan to Burlington, Vermont in 1942. Here Joyce attended Mt. St. Mary’s Academy and graduated in pre-med from The University of Vermont in 1949. It was there that she met her husband, Robert Ray. They married in 1949 and settled in Essex Junction. She devoted herself to raising 5 children lovingly and tirelessly over 3 decades, finding some time for wonderful home crafts and woman’s club activities. Joyce was a nurturing and talented woman who created a loving, warm and beautiful home for her family. Joyce returned to college and earned a teaching credential. She began a second career as a 3rd grade teacher in Essex Center, VT and at St. Francis School in Florida. Joyce and “Bob” moved to Ft. Myers Florida in 1982 where they enjoyed living. Joyce’s love for others, especially children stayed with her. After her retirement she returned to St. Francis as a library volunteer and substitute teacher. Joyce also volunteered at Lee Memorial Hospital as a “cuddler” for infants in neonatal care. She loved using her creative talents to sew Christmas stockings for these babies to be wrapped in during the holidays. After Bob’s death, Joyce married John “Bud” J. Flynn in 1998. In 2006, Joyce moved back to Vermont to be with her children. Preceded in death by husbands Robert Ray and John Flynn, brothers, Frank and Gerry Marx and son, Thomas Ray, Joyce is survived by her 4 children Peggy and husband David, Bob, Sue and husband Mark and Frank, 3 grandchildren, Amanda, Michael and Nicolas and brother, Tom Marx along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Her last years in Burlington were spent living at The Pines and at Converse Home. She looked forward to the simple pleasures of dessert at Trader Duke’s or Mirabel’s and sitting by the Lake and having visits from family and friends. Throughout her life she was especially cherished by her many friends wherever she lived. Memories of Joyce return people to a beautiful woman inside and out. Her deep devotion to her faith, marriage, family, friends and students filled her life with joy as she poured her love and support into building up others whom she loved so dearly. The family would like to thank the staff of Converse Home, Birchwood Terrace and Charlie Auer’s Boat House. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday January 6, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 7, 2011 at Holy Family Church with Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. officiating. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Joyce’s memory can be made to the Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org, (helping children with clefts and other problems). Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfunearlhomes.com.