Obituary for Joyce A. La Fond Joyce A. (Cunningham) La Fond Age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 30, 2018 in Denton, Texas. She was born in Elmira, NY December 30, 1932 to William L. and Anna M. (Tyra) Cunningham and lived there until her marriage in 1953 to the “love of her life,” Norman R. La Fond. She was throughout her life a lady of style and grace, one who was admired for her devotion to education, her ability to accomplish her goals, her beautiful smile and a charismatic touch that just lit up a room when she entered.
After traveling with her husband until his discharge from the Air Force, she and Norman returned to complete their college degrees at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Joyce completed her Bachelor’s degree with high honors, having previously completed two years at Elmira College before her marriage, and then continued after her Bachelor’s to earn her Master’s degree also with honors in Guidance and Counseling at Ohio University. After graduation she taught English in Irondequoit, NY as a prerequisite to entering the field of counseling.
She then pursued her career as a high school counselor in Commack and Webster, NY before her husband’s transfer to Texas where she continued her career as a high school counselor in the Lewisville Independent School District until she retired in 1993. Her love of education was also pursued as she completed her course work toward a Master’s degree in business at the Texas Woman’s College and took post graduate courses at Hofstra and C. W. Post of LIU. Joyce’s formal education was supplemented by “continued education credits” and as a counselor, she completed all the requirements to earn designation as a Licensed Professional Counselor allowing her to enter private practice if desired.
Joyce was involved in many professional and honorary organizations including: Phi Delta Kappa, Psi Chi, Kappa Delta Phi, NEA, TSTA, LEA, AACD, ASCA, TACD, etc. Her zest for life was also seen, not only in professional activities, but also in her leisure activities as a member of the Willow Bend Polo and Hunt Club, Gleneagles Country Club, Ridge Riders Saddle Club, equestrian activities, traveling with her husband, dancing, reading, cards, and having fun with their dog, cats and horses. She loved and was committed to supporting animal organizations, especially Operation Kindness, North Shore Animal League, The Humane Society of the US and the ASPCA.
Joyce was preceded in death by Norman, her beloved husband of 43 years, her parents, William and Anna Cunningham, her brother Robert Cunningham, her sister Georgina Sherwood and her long time friend and companion Felix Henry. Her few nieces, nephews and cousins survive Joyce. At Joyce’s request, arrangements for private services for her family are being made under the direction of Olthof Funeral Home 1050 Pennsylvania Ave.
Elmira/Southport, NY. She will be laid to rest with her beloved Norman privately in the Woodlawn Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joyce A. La Fond please visit our Sympathy Store.
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