Joyce L Ameden

Joyce L. Ameden, 99, passed from this life on September 14, 2023. Joyce was born on February 15, 1924 to Clarence F. and Verlie M. Smith. She grew up in Winhall, Vermont along with her three sisters, and attended the local one-room school there. She then went to Springfield, VT Highschool while living as a boarder with local families in the area. Soon after graduation, she married Richard E. Ameden and the couple moved to Manchester where they lived throughout their 61-year marriage. They raised four children together and, in addition to being a loving mother and homemaker, Joyce helped her husband with the administrative duties for his contracting business, which he ran for many years. Joyce will be remembered for many things, including her spunky spirit, her apple pies, and her yummy donuts! Joyce had a deep love for animals throughout her life, beginning with her horse, Tarro, when she was a child, and including the many pets the family raised and loved throughout the years. Her dog, Shadow, was her constant companion after her husband, Richard, died in 2003. Many of her neighbors will remember seeing Joyce and Shadow taking their daily walks along Richville Road and Union Street in Manchester. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her three sisters, Mavis Swezey, Betty Lackey, and Faie Hosley. She is survived by her four children, Brenda Couture of Essex Junction, VT; Sally Zoufaly (Aime) of The Villages, Florida and Manchester; Deborah Bennett (Charles) of Spokane, Washington; and Adam Ameden (Anne) of Medfield, Massachusetts. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild and a large extended family. She was predeceased by one grandson. Joyce lived at Equinox Terrace during the last four years of her life and was lovingly cared for by every member of the staff, as well as her Bayada hospice team. Her family will be forever grateful for their kindness and compassion. Contributions can be made in Joyce’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at alzfdn.org or to Second Chance Animal Center, 1779 VT Route 7A, Arlington, VT 05250 (2ndchanceanimalcenter.org). A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at a date to be announced later.