Joyce A. Dunsmoor

OSWEGO – Joyce A. Dunsmoor, 80, born on February 22nd, 1945, of Oswego, passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2025.

A captivating woman who was beautiful inside and out, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Ethel Louise (Gunther) DeCaire. Joyce was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives she touched. To know her was to love her. She lived her life to the fullest, never took her blessings for granted, danced every chance she got, and was kind to everyone she met.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, William Dunsmoor, and sons George Broadwell and Shane (Elisa) Broadwell. She also leaves behind six adored grandchildren Brooke (Brandon) Tracz, Hannah (Adam) Brideweser, Elaina Broadwell (Fiancé John Bower), Samuel Broadwell, Mathew Broadwell, and Bruce Broadwell.  She also leaves behind her brother Peter (Barb) DeCaire, and her great-granddaughter Lily Joyce Tracz, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Doris May.

Joyce was an ambitious woman who lived an accomplished and fulfilling life. Early in her adult life, she took a chance, following her passion of photography, and she moved to New York City. To no one’s surprise, a modeling agency recognized her beauty and signed her. Joyce fell in love with the city and acquired many life experiences. Once she felt her time living there had come to an end, she moved back to Oswego to start a family. There, she used her compassionate personality to help numerous families during her time as a caregiver, providing meaningful medical assistance to those who needed it the most. From then on, she accomplished a successful career in sales with other strong businesswomen.

Joyce and Bill lived an exciting, full life, always finding joy in the places they visited and the memories they shared. They especially loved their yearly trips to Phoenix, Arizona, and camp at Millsite Lake. At camp, she spent her days playing cards, fishing, and spending time with loved ones. She had a passion for cooking and feeding the entire family breakfast, lunch, and dinner, always with a smile on her face.  Joyce and Bill loved to dance; at any event, you could count on them to be on the dance floor, lighting up the room. Joyce had a giving spirit. Her favorite time of year was Christmas, when the whole family would get together and celebrate. Whatever she did, she brought enthusiasm and love.

Family meant everything to Joyce. Although her parents haven’t been with us for some time, she would speak affectionately of them often. She spoke of her father with love and compassion, while her mother and Aunt Marg were her idols. Her siblings, Doris and Pete, were her “built-in best friends” from the beginning until the very end.  Doris and Joyce were known to many as the “dolly sisters”, inseparable and always laughing. We know they are back together, smiling and enjoying each other’s company. Joyce’s pride and joy were her two boys, George and Shane. She instilled lifelong values in them that have shaped them into who they are today — she could not have been prouder of them. Her husband Bill was her soulmate, and they spent 50 wonderful years together, creating memories to last a lifetime. Her life as a grandparent alongside Bill was one of her favorites; she adored all their grandchildren. She could be seen at every sporting event, dance recital, or big milestone no matter what. Joyce was always there for family in any capacity they needed; a cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on, or just a smiling face with unconditional love. To say she will be missed by us all is an understatement. Her love and spirit will be with us forever.

Although Joyce’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, dear Joyce, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to call from 10-2 pm on Saturday, December 6, at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany Street, Oswego. A private service and burial at Riverside Cemetery will follow. A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, December 7, at GS Steamers, 70 East 1st Street, Oswego.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce’s memory to The Garrett Dunsmoor Memorial Foundation, 4441 Co. Rt. 4, Oswego, NY, or online at gdmemorialfoundation.com/in-memoriam, or Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 E. 6th Street, Oswego, NY.