Joyce Sands

Bergen – Joyce Ann Sands, age 82, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at her home in surrounded by her loved ones.

Joyce was born on March 25, 1942 in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late Robert & Mildred (Ames) Sloper.

She was a long time member of the Eastern Star and United Methodist Church. Joyce loved giving back in her community, she volunteered at the Gillam Grant Center, Mason’s Christmas Outreach Program, Operation Christmas Child (hand sewing gifts, and making comfort quilts for the local nursing homes. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and spending time with her family.

Joyce graduated from Byron Bergen High School and later married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Sands. She worked hard on the farm with Dick running a dairy, cash crops, and later sheep. Joyce retired from quality control at Bonduelle USA Inc. in 2000.

Surviving is her husband, Richard “Dick” Sands; her loving 4-legged friend, Trent; children, Wendy (Greg) Sands Didas, Byron (Chris) Ariyaratnam, Todd Sands, and son in law, David Coffta; grandchildren, Den (Jen) Janas, Jessica Ariyaratnam, Krystal (Trevor) Bertand, Jon (Marissa) Coffta, Erica Sands, Amanda-Kay (Dan) McCarthy, Kyle (Michelle) Didas, Rachel (Asher) McKissic, Jordan (Hailey) Coffta, Jeremy Fink, and Christopher (Carrie) Fink; 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In death Joyce is reunited with her children, Laurie Sands, Carol Coffta, and Timothy Sands.

Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 3:00pm to 6:30pm, at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave. Bergen, New York, with funeral service immediately following. Joyce will be laid to rest on Friday, March 28, 2025 in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s honor to, The Bergen Volunteer Fire Department: 10 Hunter Street, Bergen, New York 14416 or a charity of your choice.