Obituary of Joyce M. Haka

     Joyce M. Haka, 90, of Utica, NY passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

     Joyce was born in Utica, NY in 1933. She graduated from Utica Free Academy (UFA) and worked for the New York Telephone Company for several years. She joined the Navy, which is where she met her late husband, Stanley, who preceded her in death in 2005. They met at the Naval Base in St Albans, Queens, NY where they were married. Stanley was sent to Vietnam in 1966 and the family moved to Utica, NY since her parents still resided in Utica. Initially located in Cornhill, Joyce, via the GI Bill, purchased the family home in North Utica in 1967.

     Joyce was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St Marks Catholic Church in Utica, NY. She was very active in church activities and served on the Altar Rosary Society as treasurer for many years. Joyce was a true homemaker and greatly enjoyed feeding her birds and gardening. Decorating for the season was a top priority. She pursued life with great enthusiasm, as her family and friends can attest to.

     Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Gomer and Helena Davies and her brother Russell Davies. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Dr Michael Haka (Josie), Mark Haka (Chris), and numerous nieces and nephews in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

     The family wishes to extend special thanks for the loving and compassionate care received from the staff of the Pines and her long-time physicians, Dr Sultana Razia and Dr Timothy LaFont.

     Visitation for family and friends is Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a funeral Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., N. Utica. She will be laid to rest in St. Agnes Cemetery in Utica. Those wishing to make a donation in Joyce’s memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.