Joyce E. Leaf

Utica - Joyce Elaine Olin Youngs Leaf, 73, of Catherine Street and formerly of Port Leyden and Deansboro, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Mrs. Leaf was born in the town of Western on September 20, 1935 to Millard and Rose Morrison Olin. She attended school in Waterville, and was employed for many years at the former Lally Manufacturing Company in Port Leyden and at knitting mills in Waterville, NY and CT. For ten years she owned and operated Joyce's Dinner Bell Restaurant in Deansboro, and also worked as a cook at Hamilton College and most recently at Willow Park Assisted Living in Waterville from where she retired in 2006. She also delivered newspapers for several years. Joyce was married to Milton Youngs, however the couple later divorced. She was united in marriage with Edward J. Leaf on August 22, 1966. Mr. Leaf passed away on April 26, 1974. Mrs. Leaf was a member of the Baptist Church of Deansboro and the Clifford J. Fulmer American Legion Post 92 in Waterville. For several years she served as a volunteer for the Girl Scouts. Joyce enjoyed playing on-line games. Survivors include a daughter, Valerie Youngs of Utica; a granddaughter, Vanessa Youngs; two great-grandchildren, Alicia, and Luis Ortiz; three stepchildren, Edward, Sharon and Robin; three brothers, Melvin of Vernon, Vernon of Utica, and Hank of TX; two sisters, Susan Cook of Hubbardsville and Roxanne VanDuzer of Pulaski; two sisters-in-law, Claudette Gosizk of Hainesport, NJ and Pauline Sturtevant of Macon, GA; and many nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be Monday at 12 noon at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville, where the Reverend Joseph Feller, pastor of the Boonville Baptist Church, will officiate. Intement will be in Port Leyden Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 10 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.