Obituary of Joyce N Hayes Pickering

Joyce N. Hayes Pickering, 69, Adams Center, NY passed away in her home early Wednesday morning, April 10, 2024. We are thankful for the precious support of friends and family that assisted Joyce as her health declined. She was born August 28, 1954 in Watertown, NY to the late A. Wenzell and Hilda (Parks) Hayes, the fourth of five children. Growing up on the Adams Center family farm inspired a lifelong passion for animals. Joyce graduated from South Jefferson Central High School in 1972 and attained an A.A.S degree in Secretarial science from Jefferson Community College. She enjoyed wonderfully diverse employment that included early waitress work, Secretary to plant manager at Chesebrough - Ponds Inc, Watertown, NY before relocating to Morgan City, Louisiana as a Diving and Travel Dispatcher for Oceaneering International and a Marine Aircraft Dispatcher for Chevron Oil. She returned to upstate New York where she became a US Census Supervisor and longtime bartender at the American Legion Don Rounds Post 586, Adams, NY. Joyce created a welcoming home for all with William J. Tario (Bill), her life partner since 1991 after they met during one of Northern New York’s infamous ice storms. Joyce and Bill enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and the Caribbean and jointly cared for their beloved pets. She is survived by siblings Janet Park (Charles), A. Wenzell Hayes Jr. (Susan – deceased), Joanne Armstrong (LeRoy Burnham), Jennifer Hayes (David Doubilet), and seven nieces and nephews. She forged a very special bond with her niece Tamara Gollaher and great-niece Brianna Doss. Joyce was a kind and spirited soul with a super-sized sense of humor and a fierce devotion to her large circle of friends and animals. She was a champion of anyone or anything that needed a helping hand, from her youth in the 4H Club to her last day. She formed and was elected Queen of the local Society of the YaYahs. Her life was dedicated to infinite generosity and joy. She loved sparkles, jewelry, fringe, the color purple, Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, bonfires and driving her golf cart with her dog Abby. She danced until the end. Her motto was one that we could all learn from: “Never Stop Dancing”. A Celebration of Life for our joyous Joyce Natalie Hayes Pickering is scheduled Saturday April 27 at the South Jeff VFW Post 5344, 3 VFW Drive, Adams, NY at 1 pm. Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Donations in her name can be made to: www.Caring4CatsRescue.com located in West Carthage, NY and on FaceBook. Condolences and memories can be left at www.piddockfuneralhome.com