Joyce Agnes Bernarducci

Joyce was born February 12, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ. She is survived by her two beloved children and adored granddaughter; David (Teresa), Denise (Mary-Anne), and Dr. Kelsey Bernarducci (Anthony) as well as her loving goddaughters, Deborah Halbert and Marianne Bez and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joyce was raised in "The Projects" by Elizabeth Pierce Fanner, a remarkable single mom that predeceased Joyce when she was in her early teens. After losing her mother, Joyce had to fend for herself and faced life with remarkable resilience. She was supported by her mother's sisters, Eleanor Bez and Florence Murphy. Joyce married Alfred Bernarducci and they settled into a home in Lyndhurst, NJ where they raised their two children and many dogs. Joyce participated as a leader on the school PTA and a coach to many of her children's activities. Known to many as "Mrs. B", despite having no experience, she coached her daughter's softball team to a championship and led the effort to have lights installed on the town fields so the girls had a place to play. She never got a chance to finish school but she managed to put her kids through private school, working on sewing jobs to pay the tuition. Joyce was widowed in 1982, but not before discovering she had a half-sister she never knew about. Barbara Mireau predeceased Joyce but they spoke to each other every day through their adult life and remained close until Barbara's death.

Always the life of the party, Joyce was an amazing woman who always saw the best in people. She was loving, caring, funny and the most generous person you will ever meet. Joyce gained many life-long friends. You knew how much she cared for you by the little gifts she'd give. Joyce loved the family Christmas parties where Mary-Anne's niece Helene and her buddy "T" would join in the crazy fun. She also loved going on cruises with her adopted daughters Sue and Sandy, playing the slot machines in AC (and never losing) and watching the WNBA. Joyce and her best friend, Helen Holland aka Snookie, were born hours apart and began their friendship in that nursery all those years ago. They remained the best of friends, leaning on each other through tough times, until this day.

Later in life Joyce moved "down the shore" to Asbury Park where she lived out the rest of her life near her children. Joyce will be missed dearly and remembered by all who loved her. The party just won't be the same without her.

In lieu of flowers (we are serious about this...she would consider flowers a waste of money), the family requests a donation in Joyce's name to the animal rescue group, Wag-on-Inn. Please consider donating (even if you cannot attend the services) to this great group dedicated to helping animals in need.

This link on their website provides all the ways you can easily donate:
 https://wag-on-inn.com/ways-to-help/monetary-donations/

Wag-on-Inn
P. O. Box 221
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
https://wag-on-inn.com/
(Click on "Make a Gift")

Memorial services are as follows:

Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home - Lyndhurst NJ
425 Ridge Road
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
(201) 438-4664

Monday, August 3rd 3:00-6:30PM followed immediately by a party with dinner.  Joyce left one last request of us all. She wanted a party to celebrate her life.  Please, even if you cannot make the services, join the party starting at 6:30.

Michael's Riverside
528 Riverside Avenue
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
201-939-6333
https://www.michaelsriverside.com/