Obituary of Joyce F. Lapham
Joyce Fonda Lapham, passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, on Friday, September 17, 2021.
Joyce was born in Troy, New York, the daughter of the late Frank and Ruth Fonda. Joyce attended Catholc Central High School and Hunter College in New York City. Joyce fell in love with New York City and fortuitously landed a position with Senator MacNeil Mitchell who represented the Old Silk Stocking District on the East Side. This position began Joyce’s long and storied career in local and New York State politics.
After living in New York City for almost twenty years Joyce returned to the Capital Region where she continued her nearly fifty year political career. Joyce was active in Columbia and Rensselaer County Republican Committees serving as Town Chair, Committee Person and a member of the Planning and Zoning Boards. Additionally, Joyce served on the staff of the New York State Senate and Governor’s Office. Joyce believed that “all politics was local '' and proudly delivered her town and county in many local, state and national elections.
Joyce was an accomplished equestrian and active in the United States Pony Club. She was the former District Commissioner of the Old Chatham Pony Club. Joyce continued to visit NYC frequently, often taking in a show, listening to jazz with her longtime friends, or having dinner at an old haunt in the Village. She always relished a drink at the bar, overlooking the Grand Central terminal, before taking the late train home. Joyce loved to read, take walks and enjoyed the company of her family, friends and dear pets.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years Robert "Gus" Lapham, two daughters Carolyn (James) Luke and Donna (Eric) Wilson, grandchildren Katie (Thomas) Kovalic, Lauren, Sarah and Mathew Luke; Jennifer, Kara, Anna, Emily and Michael Wilson.
Relatives and friends may call from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM on Thursday at the Holy Spirit Church, 663 Columbia Tpk in East Greenbush followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery East Greenbush . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s name to Sloan Kettering or Hudson Mohawk Humane Society.
