Joyce Grenon, 76, of Red Hook
My name is Joyce Grenon, 76, and I have written my own obituary. It gives me the opportunity to thank all the people who have helped me, and all who have loved me, cared for me, and laughed with me. I have been blessed by knowing all of you.
My time on Earth, with more than 60 years spent in Red Hook, ended on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, and my work here is done. Now my new mission will take me to a wonderful place with no pain, where only music, laughter, and love are guaranteed.
I have never been one who boasts of her accomplishments, but I admit to being proud that I was the first in my family to go to college. It was a proud day also for my mom and dad when I received my Master’s degree in special education. I hold degrees from the College of St. Rose and LIU. I spent 30 fulfilling years teaching special ed, both in public and private schools, including Randolph School in Wappinger’s and BOCES satellite schools in Hyde Park and Arlington.
In retirement, I got the chance to give back what and when I could. I was a Caregiver driver, I delivered Meals on Wheels, and at Northern Dutchess Hospital, I kept the schedule for the thrift shop “Girls.” I also was a patient feeder and did dog therapy. What an honor to be part of the volunteer department.
All of this has given me a rich and rewarding life. I could not have asked for any better. So I do not want a wake, I want a celebration of that life. It’s a chance for you to share memories with my very special family: Paul, my husband who protected and supported me for 54 years; Paul Joseph Jr., my son and captain of my heart; Jimmy Catalano, my adored brother; Robin Mazzetti, my daughter and angel without wings, and her husband, Tommy, my favorite storyteller; Atsushi Ito, my divine organic cook; Jean Patman, my steadfast partner in crime; and my diva dogs, Moya and Krispy.
The celebration will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burnett-White Funeral Home in Red Hook. Please note that wearing black is frowned on. I really want you all to share with a smile. As someone once said, never underestimate what a roomful of people united in laughter can accomplish. I will be listening, so do not make it BORING!
There will also be no viewing because my husband refused the idea of me standing in the corner with a glass of wine welcoming visitors. And my ashes will be kept until my family gets tired of having them around.
In addition, on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, I request that you each undertake an unexpected act of kindness for someone in need.
I would like to end this with well-known words from English poet David Harkins:
“You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.
For directions or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.Burnett-White. com.