Obituary of Joyce M. Rotach

Joyce Mariam Yancey Rotach, age 101, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, surrounded by her four children and one son-in-law. She was born on February 7, 1923 in North Rose, New York, to Lena Elizabeth and Theodore Michael Yancey in a wild snow blizzard. Dr. Houston walked 8 miles from Wolcott on snowshoes because there was no barn in which his horse could be sheltered.

Joyce graduated from North Rose High School in Rose, NY and later moved to Rochester, where she attended the McKechney-Lunger School of Commerce. She worked as an assistant to Susie Hines, (a furrier) and as a secretary for the Legal County Advisor’s Office and the Trane Company. She also found success as an Avon representative, winning numerous awards while raising her four children. After her youngest child started school she took a position as a secretary for the Rochester City School District, where she worked until her retirement.

On April 5, 1947 Joyce married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Franklin Rotach. The couple shared 45 years together until Dick’s passing on December 17, 1992. During World War II Dick was stationed overseas and they wrote letters to each other every day, saving marriage for his return. They raised their family on Rosewood Terrace in Rochester, where they lived for over 35 years before retiring to Penfield, NY. There, they enjoyed tending to their garden—Joyce grew roses and raspberries, while Dick cultivated vegetables.  In retirement, Joyce and Dick discovered a shared love for bowling and sometimes danced to  their song, “Stardust,”  while watching the  Lawrence Welk program on Saturday nights. Despite not having many opportunities to travel earlier in life, they took a memorable cruise to the Panama Canal after retiring.

Joyce was devoted to her faith and was an active member of Asbury First United Methodist Church since 1951.  She volunteered in the Nursery, the Toddlers Group, Wedding Receptions, Altar Guild, the Visitor, the Storehouse, Reception, the 50+ Class, the Roudebush Circle, and Coffee Hour.

In her later years, Joyce enjoyed the Silver Sneakers program at the Y and continued to live a full and active life. She cherished her family, which included her four children, Beth (John) Sherry Lou (Chuck), Brian (Cheryl), and Keith (Pam); six grandchildren Leah, Lowell, Meredith, Rachel, Kellen and Casey; and four great-granddaughters, Norah, Penelope, Maisie, and Calla. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her baby son, Darren Duane,  her sister, Carol Janice Usher, and her grandson, Nathan John Fitts. When Joyce’s mother, Lena Yancey, could no longer care for herself, Joyce lovingly welcomed her into her home and cared for her as long as she could.

Her favorite Bible verse, Luke 6:27-31, served as a guiding principle in her life. "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." This verse reflected Joyce's deep compassion and dedication to living with kindness and grace. She also loved John 3:16 and The Twenty-Third Psalm.  She found great comfort and inspiration in hymns that spoke of faith and promise. “Jesus Calls Us, O’er the Tumult” resonated with her commitment to follow her faith amidst life’s challenges. “In the Garden” reflected the quiet, personal moments of connection she cherished, while “Hymn of Promise” symbolized her enduring hope and belief in renewal and life’s endless possibilities. She also loved “His Eyes are on the Sparrow”, “Oh Jesus I Have Promised” and “On Eagles’ Wings”.

Joyce’s final years were spent at Heathwood Assisted Living in Penfield where she was lovingly cared for by the special staff there.  Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her beautifully knitted sweaters, afghans and baby clothes, her delicious berry pies and molasses cookies and her strong faith, her kindness, and her zest for life. She loved chicken parmesan and on special occasions with Dick, she enjoyed a single Rum and Coke. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, independence, and cherished memories—a life that truly embodied the themes of faith, love, and service as exemplified in her favorite hymns and scripture.

As well as her children, grandchildren, and four great-granddaughters, she is survived by nieces, great nieces and a great nephew.

Services to celebrate Joyce’s remarkable life will be held at Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1040 East Avenue, Rochester on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Asbury First United Methodist Church.