Joyce Ann (Gomez) Grycel, 89, longtime resident of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield with her loving family at her side.

Joyce was born on February 7, 1937, in Rutland, Vermont, daughter of Joseph J. and Gladys R. (LaJoice) Gomez, she was raised and educated in Chicopee and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1954.

She was an active parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Chicopee and was former past president of the Rosary Sodality at the church, a member of the United Women in Chicopee, an apostolate of the suffering, and a member of the singing swinging seniors club.

Joyce loved music and singing. She ran her own program, “Sing along with Joyce” at several local nursing homes for over thirty years.

She also enjoyed playing Bingo and spending time with her family and close friends.

Joyce leaves behind her loving daughter, Brenda J. Taylor of San Antonio, TX, her significant other, Walter Tardy of Chicopee, three cherished grandchildren, Michael A. Taylor, Latisha Burkes, and Joseph Lacau, five great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren, her sister-in-law and friend, Vanessa Gomez of Chicopee, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her beloved son, Donald J. LaCau, Jr. in 2017, and by her brother, Ronald J. Gomez.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, April 6, for calling hours for Joyce from 4-7 PM at Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee St., Chicopee.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 7, beginning at 9 AM from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony St. Chicopee. Burial will follow after the Mass at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s name may be made to Thomas J O’Connor Humane Society, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104. For more information and online condolences please visit brunellefuneralhome.com