MARY JOYCE CARR
GREENVILLE- Mary Joyce (nee Stanhope) Carr, 82, of Verga, NJ died quietly on May 2, 2011. The daughter of Thelma R. Stanhope and Howard N. Stanhope, Joyce lived in Greenville, Maine until she married Ralph W. Carr in December 1946. When her husband was discharged from the United States Navy, Joyce and her young family moved to Verga. She remained in her home for 58 years.

As a high school student, Joyce worked at a wilderness resort in Maine, never allowing her long hours to interfere with her diligence as a student. She eventually became a dental assistant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many years later, she used her skills as a seamstress to customize clothing for wounded soldiers sent home from Viet Nam. Not satisfied with adjusting sleeves and pant legs to accommodate their injuries, Joyce spent a great deal of time listening and talking to the young soldiers. She was a gardener, a carpenter, an artist, a writer, an avid reader, and a cat lover.

A devoted mother, Joyce nurtured her two sons with the zest and curiosity she modeled in her own life, teaching them to value hard work, to appreciate personal accomplishment, and to face all challenges. A quietly remarkable woman, Joyce’s generosity of spirit and abundance of optimism created a home filled with strength of purpose and love.

Joyce’s natural compassion and empathy touched everyone around her. Her large collection of letters and cards, amassed during a lifetime of love and service to others, is a testament to the love she received from her many friends. She will be missed by many.

Joyce is predeceased by her husband. After 28 years of marriage, Ralph W. Carr died on August 14, 1974. She is survived by her brother, H. Malcolm Stanhope of Greenville, Maine; her sons Ronald A. Carr of Elkton, Maryland, and James M. Carr of West Deptford; a dear friend Samuel Albert of Thorofare; 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Graveside services will be held 9 AM, Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the Greenville Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Robert Veon officiating. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.