Rensselaer - Joyce McDonald, 76, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family Tuesday April 10, 2018. Born in Albany NY, Joyce attended Vincentian Institute and graduated Van Rensselaer high school in 1959. In 1961, Joyce moved to Watervilet where she was a full-time homemaker and member of the Schuyler Heights Fire Department Womens Auxiliary. She moved to East Greenbush in 1971 and soon after began working for the State Education Department from which she retired in 1998. Joyce was an avid reader and puzzle solver, as well as a talented painter and crafter who was an expert with a crochet hook. A devoted mother and sister, Joyce's dry wit, humorous observations, and well-placed wise cracks will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is predeceased by her parents, Rose C. Dononvan and Eugene Lawlor of Rennselaer, and infant daughter Barbara Ann McDonald. She is survived by her siblings, Janis Torre of Colonie and Gene (Kathy) Lawlor of East Greenbush; daughters, Maureen McDonald (Brant Weatherford) of Dallas TX, Sharon (Robert) Bonnem of Palm Harbor, FL, Laurie (Alan) Beberwyck of Delmar; son Michael McDonald (Mary O'Neil) of Averill Park, and grandchildren: Kate Wignall, Thomas Weatherford, Robert Bonnem, Rose Beberwyck, Joe McDonald and Ashlee Phelan. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 13th from 5 to 7 pm. In the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14th at 10am in the funeral home with internment following at St Agnes Cemetery, Menands.