Joyce Elizabeth Gendron

Saco

Joyce Elizabeth Gendron (Carter), 70, passed unexpectedly on September 20,2022 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland due to complications from an aortic condition. She was born in Biddeford on Oct 18, 1951 to Raymond and Dorothy Carter.

Joyce attended Thornton Academy where she would meet her future husband Robert Gendron of 48 years.  Joyce attended Westbrook Junior College and studied accounting.   Joyce was employed by the Bell telephone companies for over 30 years, often with perfect attendance.

Joyce and Bob were married on Aug 31, 1974 in Saco and moved to Salem MA in 1977 where they resided for 37 years.  Upon retiring, Joyce and Bob returned to Saco in 2014.

Neil Gendron was born to Joyce on July 11, 1986.  As a dedicated mother Joyce strongly supported and promoted Neil's participation in sports. Joyce was a loyal supporter of the Salem Little League, the Bishop Fenwick baseball and football, Fitchburg State baseball, the Stephen O'Grady Golf Tournament and the Boys and Girls Club of Salem.

Joyce formed networks of long-lasting friends wherever she went: in school, employment, restaurants, and shops. She was known by friends and family as being devoted, reliable and dedicated.  Her social bonds were based on personalizing the relationship.  Her thoughtful gifts and actions made others feel special. She was known for constructing beautiful and personalized fundraising baskets branded under "Ladies of the Cellar".

Joyce was an avid reader, historical novels being her favorites.  Her intense reading led to her broad knowledge of historical events and wide range of trivia knowledge. Joyce had amazing recall for birth dates, often remembering exact dates decades after the fact.  Joyce loved visiting big cities like New York and Las Vegas and creating memories with her closest friends.

Joyce is survived by her husband Bob, her son Neil and wife Jennifer, her two granddaughters Mara and Natalie, her sister Sally Carter Tardif, niece Amy Delano and husband Derek and children, niece Jill Sawyer and nephew Thomas Sawyer Jr and wife Samantha Sawyer and their children.

Calling hours will be held from 11 – 1 PM, followed by a brief memorial service at 1 PM on Wednesday September 28, 2022, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco.  A celebration of life at a local eatery will follow.

The family requests donations be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem in lieu of flowers at bgcgs.kindful.com

To view Joyce's memorial page, or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com