Mrs. Lucy (Urtz) Joy, age 96, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, December 5, 2015, at the Mohawk Valley Health Care Center, Ilion, where she has resided for the past two years. Born on November 13, 1919, Lucy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Julia (Sins) Urtz. Raised in Ilion and educated in local schools, she was a graduate of Ilion High School. On November 15, 1941, she was united in marriage to the late Lewis Joy, who she shared over 40 years with until his passing on April 3, 1982. As a couple, they encompassed the true meaning of partnership and exemplified what marriage meant to the “greatest generation”. Even after Lewis’ passing, Lucy remained steadfast and dedicated to her husband through her remaining years. A hardworking woman who was ahead of her time, Lucy spent her career as a telephone operator for over 30 years with the New York Telephone Company in Ilion and Herkimer, a position from which she retired in 1978. Lucy’s life revolved around those she loved, and they were always of the utmost priority to her. Compassion and support were two of her most inherent traits, and her family knew that she could always be counted upon for an open ear and words of advice. A proud grandmother and great-grandmother, her kindness was extended to the younger generations as her family continued to grow. She was a loving person who gave of herself freely and openly to others through her charitable nature. Lucy was a talent in the kitchen, and will always be remembered for her apple pies and lasagna! She was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and still kept in touch with those she met through that organization. As a devout Catholic, Lucy was a longtime parishioner of the Church of the Annunciation. Forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind, Lucy is survived by her three children and their spouses, Robert “Bob” and Kathy Joy, Christine and Bernard VanHatten, and Edward “Ed” and Toni Joy, all of Ilion; her grandchildren, Jennifer and Rick Bachelder, of New Hartford, Kimberly Joy and her fiance, Matt Kenyon, of Ilion, Christina Joy and her fiance, Chick Scaparo, of Wilmington, NC, Amy and Jon Thomes, of Ilion, Holly VanHatten and her companion, Tony Corelli, of Utica, Richard and Gigi Bell, of Merritt Island, FL, and Christopher and Morgan Joy, of Ilion; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Derek, Kaitlyn, Logan, Jared, Drake, Kain and Colton. She also leaves her brother, Joseph Urtz; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews with special mention of Marilyn Maine and Lorraine Covell; and a special friend, Ruthie Reale. Lucy was predeceased by her infant grandson, Ryan VanHatten; her sister, Rita Wheelock; and her brothers, Clarence Urtz, Jerome Urtz, Robert Urtz and Paul Urtz. Visitation will be held from 4 PM – 6 PM on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, from the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s newly reopened and renovated home at 102 West Street, Ilion, NY 13357. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Lucy’s memory are asked to consider the Church of the Annunciation or Catholic Charities of Herkimer County. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lucy’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday morning, December 9, 2015, at 9:00 AM from the funeral home and at 10:00 AM from the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by The Very Reverend Mark Cunningham. A special thank you is extended to the staff of the Mohawk Valley Health Care Center for the compassionate care shown to Lucy through her stay with them. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Lucy, or to add to her online memorial, may visit www.applegateandday.com Lucy’s family has entrusted all service arrangements to their family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, and Funeral Director, Martin Ciaccia.