Joyce L. Hellenschmidt

Joyce Hellenschmidt, of Shokan, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep, on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the age of 69. She was the daughter of the late John and Joyce Thayer, of Shokan, NY.

Joyce was a graduate of Onteora Central School District, and attended Ulster County Community College. She continued her education at SUNY Geneseo, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She went on to earn her Master of Education degree from SUNY New Paltz. As a child, she enjoyed playing teacher, and her dream was to teach at Bennett Elementary School. She was fortunate to have had her dream come true. Joyce was a teacher at Bennett for 32 years, teaching multiple generations. She was respected for her creativity, loving warmth for her students, and her dedication to her career.

Joyce was married in 1985 to Rudy Hellenschmidt. She loved traveling with her husband, and they were fortunate to visit some extraordinary places, such as Machu Picchu, Ayers Rock in Australia, New Zealand, the Great Wall of China, the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Hermitage in Russia, and numerous other destinations throughout Europe. Her favorite vacation destinations were Hawaii and Antigua.

She is survived by her: husband, Rudy; stepdaughter, Amy (John); son, Bradley; grandchildren, Paige and Ryan; sister, Kimberley (Frank); brother, John Steve (Marilyn); and, numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce is preceded in death by: her parents; sister-in-law, Marilyn; and nephew, Luke.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. A tribute for Joyce can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com , where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family. A service will be held at a later date when it is safe for people to travel. For those who wish, contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to: The President's Challenge Scholarship Foundation at Ulster County Community College, PO Box 557, Stone Ridge, NY 12484