Joyce Kay Somers

Joyce Marie Kay Somers (aka Grammy) (92) of Allendale, NJ passed away peacefully at her home June 26th. Born September 22, 1932, to Frances Smith and Robert Kay in Paterson, NJ. She was the fifth of seven children.

She began dating John (Jack) Somers in 1948, a well-loved Navy boy from their neighborhood. They married at St. Bonaventure in West Paterson in 1953 and enjoyed playing games and dancing with family / friends and loved listening to Vaughn Monroe’s “There I said it Again”.

Joyce’s career started at the Haban Company, then Paterson Telephone Company where she met and worked with her dearest friend and future sister-in-law Pat Kay.

A month after her sixth child was born, she began her career with the United States Postal Service having worked between Ridgewood, Allendale, and Mahwah Branches. After retiring from the USPS, she worked at Paulist Press in Mahwah, NJ until finally retiring in 2015.

Joyce & Jack had four of their six children in Paterson before moving to Allendale. Robert (Ellen Boland) of Spring, TX; Gary (Nancy Dreyer) of Washoe Valley, NV; Michael (Wendie Goetting) of Chester, NY; Tim (Laureen Webster) of Goshen, NY; Colleen (Len DiTomaso) of Ramsey, NJ, and Sean (Chrissy Dauber) of Centerport, NY. Her greatest joys in life were spending time with her 13 Grandchildren (Tracey, Chelsea, Kelly, Robert, Michael, Brian, Ryan, Caitlin, Kyle, Connor, James, Julia & Caleigh) as well as 10 Great Grandchildren. She was also grateful to have Rick Koehler as an unofficial adopted son, always kind, generous, and helpful. And many nieces and nephews.

As challenging as five boys and one girl could be while working full time jobs, she prided herself on her kids' proper manners and pressed clothes for church. They may have gotten in trouble a time or two, but they had manners. Grammy may not have been the best cook, but she always had a meal to share with whomever came by nor ever arrived at an event “with one arm longer than the other.” She dedicated herself to the Catholic Church and proudly served as Eucharistic Minister. The family enjoyed many summers in Seaside Park and the beach was by far her happy place second to being with her grandchildren. Helping the kids dress up for Halloween was always a treat for her but St Patrick’s Day was her favorite holiday of all having marched in many a NYC parade until her legs began to fail her. Grammy was a people person; she loved doing for others, even in the end when she could no longer get out of bed, she wanted to serve her guests. Grammy, until we are together again, Slainte!

Predeceased by her Parents, Siblings, her Grandson, Michael, in 2014; her son, Robert in 2017; and Robert’s wife Ellen in 2022.

The Somers Family expresses their heartfelt thanks for all the expressions of sympathy, memories and love at this time. Also, their immense gratitude goes out to Grammy’s long-time caregiver Jamie Rosen, her live in aide Inga Churgulia (and Nelly) who gave the best of care when the family needed them most. Joyce’s many friends and neighbors who showered her with love on a regular basis checking in on her especially Catherine, Karen, and Jamie. And the Hospice team. You all have our sincerest gratitude.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 AM at St Paul’s Church, 200 Wyckoff Ave, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grammy’s memory can be made to Camp Acorn, PO Box 1383, Paramus, NJ 07653 (campacorn.org/donate/) or St Paul’s Church.

Arrangements made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

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