Obituary of Joyce Monthony

NORTH RIVER:  V. Joyce (Freebern) Monthony, 93 years old of North River, NY, passed away on December 22, 2024 at Elderwood of North Creek.

Joyce was born on February 9, 1931, in Riparius, NY, to the late Walter and Mary (Savege) Freebern. After graduating from Johnsburg High School, she entered the workforce, taking a job as a server at Garnet Hill Lodge and then as a chambermaid at Aiden Lair, where she also lived upstairs. In 1949, Joyce married the love of her life, Francis Monthony. She devoted herself to being a wife and stay-at-home mom until the 1970s, when she worked part-time as the assistant to North River’s Post Mistress. After 18 years of dedicated service, Joyce retired to care for her parents.

Joyce’s life was well lived. She enjoyed playing board games and rarely lost—her competitive spirit always shining through. Joyce cherished taking care of her grandson A.J., tending to her garden, and taking walks with her dear friend and sister-in-law Carol. She had a passion for baking, creating delicious rolls, pies, and cookies, and treasured every moment spent with her great-grandchild, Nova. Joyce also dedicated her time to volunteering with the North River Fireman’s Auxiliary, giving back to her community with love and care.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Monthony; her brothers, Richard Freebern (and his wife, Linda), Roger Freebern, and Howard Freebern (and his first wife, Margaret); her sisters, Jean Freebern and Barbara Warrington (and her husband, Larry); and her close friend and sister-in-law, Ollie Monthony.

Left to cherish Joyce’s memory are her sons, Philip (Patricia) Monthony, Dale Monthony, and Chris (Kim) Monthony; her grandchildren, A.J. and his fiancée Kristen Prosser, Jeremy (Racheal) Monthony, Jordan (Robin) Monthony, and Janelle (Alex) Sellner; as well as nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also remembering her fondly are her sister-in-law and dear friend, Carol Freebern, along with another sister-in-law, Tobi Freebern and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial donations in Joyce’s name can be made to the North River Fire Company, PO Box 64, North River, NY 12856.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joyce’s life on January 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the North River Firehouse.

Spring burial will be held in North River Cemetery.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.