Joyce Lee O’Sullivan

Montville — Joyce Lee O’Sullivan, 76, of Oakdale, passed away Jan. 18, 2023, at home surrounded by friends, from complications with kidney disease. She was tough and fought every battle until the end. Joyce was born in Norwich on March 26,

1946, to Stanley and Bernice (Bedaloni) Liskiewicz. Both parents have predeceased her. Joyce leaves behind her dear cousins, Valerie Molendyk and Joan V. Dunn.

Joyce spent her life in Connecticut, graduating from New London High School in 1946. As a toddler, she saw her first horse and it was love at first sight, an immediate love affair. Joyce earned a living as a realtor by day and cared for many horses while still having home-cooked meals on the table each night — a true pioneer. She was a very accomplished horse woman winning her first show as a young teen. She participated in hundreds of shows and competitions and brought home countless ribbons, platters and trophies — a very decorated horse woman.

Paul Santos, who was her life partner of 39 years, predeceased her in 2020. They shared the same love for horses. Together they built their home, an English cottage on a beautiful mountain top overlooking the reservoir. In the summer, Joyce had the most beautiful flowers scattered throughout the farm and enjoyed sitting on the deck with Paul watching the hummingbirds feed and their horses graze in the pastures. This was heaven to them. Joyce enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables as well as hosting family, friends and neighbors for cookouts, holiday dinners and seafood boils. Joyce was a great cook and loved to share her talents and recipes.

Joyce asked that her ashes be spread around the hills, forests and trails where she spent on the saddle and with her beloved ponies. She will cross her rainbow bridge where Paul and Egads will be waiting to reunite her with loved ones and all the animals she cared for over the years. Joyce was a strong woman, who worked hard and had a big heart. She was a good life partner, friend and neighbor. Her spirit will be missed. “Rest in Peace, Joyce Lee.”