Amherst, Joyce Muriel Quinlan (Kentfield) 77, of Amity Street in Amherst passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 19^th, 2017. 

Joyce was born on September 24, 1939 to her late parents George and Marion Kentfield of Amherst. Joyce grew up in Amherst and spent her entire life on Amity Street. 

After graduating from Amherst High School, she went on to attend Bay Path Junior College where she contributed to the school’s yearbook, The Portico. 

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John Quinlan. The two wed in a beautiful ceremony on August 23, 1958 in Jaffrey, NH.  John and Joyce have spent the years since growing their family laughing and loving one another.  

She leaves behind four children, Brenda Aldrich and her husband Rick of Belchertown, Bonnie Quinlan of Vermont, Jeffery Quinlan and his wife Leslie Gordon of California, and Belinda Deres and her husband Eliot of Leverett. Joyce also leaves behind six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many wonderful friends.

Aside from being an amazing wife, mother and grandmother, Joyce worked in her early years at her father’s hardware store, Kentfield Hardware in Amherst. She also worked for Decorative Coverings in Hatfield, MA and later as a Realtor for Jones Town and Country. In her spare time, she was a Girl Scout leader and volunteered for Cooley Dickinson Medical Group. 

Often, you would find Joyce at her children’s sporting events, socializing in the isles of Stop and Shop/Big Y, and on the phone chatting with those close to her. There is no doubt that Joyce was loved by many. Her care for others, pizzazz, and sense of humor will always be remembered. As she always said, “we’ll be laughing about this later.”

Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Service at 87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA on Friday, June 23rd from 5PM – 8PM. A celebration of Joyce’s life will take place at the South Amherst Congregatioal Church on Saturday August 5, 2017 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joyce Quinlan to the Hospice of the Fisher Home, Amherst, MA.