Mrs. Joyce Kolmer Borrill, 89, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Wynn Hospital with her loving family by her side.

    My life’s journey began as the daughter of Alfred and Nora Kinney Kolmer, and as a sister to Alfred, Jr. and Marilyn Jean.

    Raised in Yorkville, attended local schools and graduated from Whitesboro Central High School. I furthered my education at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital School of Nursing where I chose to remain, gaining years of knowledge, skills, and administrative opportunities, as well as many lasting friendships. One of my many career highlights was being appointed by a local physician, Dr. Ronald Smith, to assist him in initiating a dialysis unit within the area. Choosing my friend and co-worker, Maryann Morelle, we soon learned the knowledge and skills of dialysis and proudly established the first Hemo-dialysis unit in the Mohawk Valley.

    Following my years at St. Luke’s Memorial-Hospital, and seeking a new challenge, I accepted a position at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, not only gaining experience in psychiatric nursing, but as important, making lasting friendships, with Laurie Rainer, Mary Ann Cusick, and others.

    However, the most meaningful and significant highlight of my life’s journey was the love and marriage to my wonderful husband, Bill Borrill. Blessed with many years of love and happiness, we shared an inseparable relationship including hours of traveling, attending the children’s sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, weddings, birthdays, family, gatherings, and just spending alone time together. All of this while making for a lifetime of treasured memories.

    Sharing these memories are: Kathleen (John) Kopec, Susan (Larry) Giglio, Debbie (Kevin) Lojewski, and William (Marie) Borrill. The precious grandchildren include Eric and Shane Piersma, Anthony and Lawrence Giglio, Jason and Cameron Lojewski, and Lauren and Olivia Borrill. Now, the “Greats”: Morgan, Sierra, Jack, Harley, Vera, Benjamin, Nathan, Will, Carson, and Skylar. Yes, even a “Great Great,” Ryleigh. Love them all!!

    A special mention throughout my journey must be made of my beloved sister, Marilyn Malsan, and my family of nieces and nephews: Dan, David, Sharon, Stephen, Laura, and Ken. So, too, the “Greats”: Alex, Andrea, Meredith, Bridget, Jonathan, Brian, Christopher, Nicole, Mya and Shayna. I must mention my so caring predeceased brother-in-law, Dick Malsan, a devoted husband and an admirable father to my nieces and nephews. Many names with an abundance of love.

    Our families have shared a lifetime of love, tears, laughter and happiness, dreams, admiration, mutual respect, and most importantly, lasting memories that have become treasures.

    Special recognition also goes to other outstanding people throughout my journey. Bill Clark, my cousin, whom I’ve always considered as a “second brother. “Throughout our childhood and as adults, Bill has always been there with his love, support, and encouragement. A special and loving relationship with my sister-in-law, Lee Kolmer Redford, who has always remained close in family and heart. Jose Santiago, a grandson by proxy, always ready, willing and able to assist with his friendship, love, home repairs and unique landscaping skills. And then, of course, my forever friend, Pat Kunkel. We celebrated our friendship for over 72 years, the highs and lows, family events, births and deaths, our lives amazingly intertwined.

    And now, my friends, I begin my final journey. Do not be saddened, for I happily look forward to being with my wonderful Bill, loving parents, Nora and Al, beautiful sister, Marilyn, beloved brother, Al, and dearest Aunt Sue and Uncle Louie, plus the many friends gone before me, waiting to greet me and whisper, “Good job, Joyce. Welcome home.”

    An addendum: I must mention my faithful canine and feline friends, Hugo and Abby. Thank you for being with me and supporting me through these many years. Love you guys.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Joyce’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of The Sacred Heart & St. Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, 201Main St., NY Mills, NY. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of the funeral Mass. Joyce will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humane Society of Rome, 6247 Lamphear Rd., Rome, NY 13440, a charity of your choice or just take a friend out to lunch and recall some favorite memories.

     Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., Utica.