Joyce Pothier

PITTSFIELD – At 9am on Friday, January 16, 2015, Marion “Joyce” Pothier, was relieved of her graceful journey with cancer and delivered peacefully into the loving embrace of her heavenly Father. In Joyce’s 25 years as a breast cancer survivor and advocate she inspired many, including her own. She is known for her elegant perseverance and enduring faith. Born in Pittsfield on January 15, 1944, Joyce was the daughter of Allison & Armetta (Patterson) Gregory, known lovingly as “Al and Micki”. The fourth in a family of five children, she graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1962. Joyce worked for oral surgeon, Dr. Robert Cella Sr. while attending Berkshire Community College. In 1965 she pursued her dream to travel when she earned her ‘wings’ and became an Eastern Airlines flight attendant, a true highlight in her early working career. In November 1967, she married Robert W. Pothier at Sacred Heart Church and soon after began what she referred to as her true “vocation”, motherhood. Her six children and fourteen grandchildren are a testament to her love and devotion to that calling. She is loved as she has loved, infinitely … “to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond.” Known for her sincerity and compassion, Joyce served family, friends and community through her open heart. She befriended global travellers when she transformed the family home into a bed and breakfast, La Maison du Pothier in 1981. Her warm and inviting venture was featured in the book, Bed and Breakfast American Style. Joyce once said, “When you learn something in life, you give it back.” In 1993, she was inspired through her own experiences to found Joyce’s Renewed Image Care and opened the doors of her home offering services to women with breast cancer in an intimate, dignified and compassionate setting. Profoundly spiritual and devoted to her faith, Joyce was an active member of both church and community. She was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles Church, member of the prayer line at the Marian Father’s in Stockbridge and President of the Rosary Sodality and CCD Teacher at St Teresa’s Church. She championed many meaningful causes including the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Program, the Teen Parent Home Program and the Parent Child Home Program. Whether wife, mother, sister, grandmother, friend or confidant, Joyce is remembered for who she was and the legacy she leaves behind. Her laughter, unconditional love, kind words and empathy touched the hearts of many people. She leaves in a loving embrace: Her husband of 47 years, Robert W. Pothier. Her six children and their spouses, Matthew Pothier and his wife Janis (Paoli, PA), Nicole Cook and her husband Dan (Sydney, Australia), Alison Pothier (London, England), Sara Khoudary and her husband Antoine (Thornton, CO), Marie Terese Tarentino and her husband Michael (Franklin, MA) and Joseph Pothier and his wife Lauren (Pembroke, MA). Her sister, Judith Hollister (Valatie, NY), her brothers, Rev. A. Peter Gregory, Pastor of St. Charles Church (Pittsfield, MA), Christopher Gregory (Durango, CO), and is preceded in death by her brother, Andrew “Lanny” Gregory. Her fourteen grandchildren who affectionately know her as “Mimi”: Joshua, Eden, Samantha, Lena, Charlie, Joely, William, Damien, Robert, Elise, Peter, Joseph, Thomas and Cole. Her twenty-one nieces and nephews. The family would like to express deep gratitude and profound appreciation for over 25 years of professional and compassionate care from all of those who have dedicated their skills to support Joyce in her journey with cancer. We would especially like to thank Dr. Michael McInerny, Dr. Harvey Zimbler, Dr. Jack Ringler, Dr. Wade Gebara, Dr. David Finck and the nursing teams from Berkshire Oncology, Kimball Farms and Hospice Care of Berkshire County. Funeral Notice: Funeral Services for M. Joyce Pothier will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015. A liturgy of Christian Burial will take place at 10am at St. Charles Church in Pittsfield, MA celebrated by her brother, Rev. A. Peter Gregory, Pastor. Calling hours are from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at St Charles Church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made care of the DWYER FUNERAL HOME to the Patient Care Assistance Fund or to St. Charles Church. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Joyce Pothier

January 15, 1944 - January 16, 2015