Joy Barbara Ernest

She was born as the daughter of the late Anna and Samuel Lazarus on June 2, 1925, and sister of late Jacob “Jocko” Lazarus. Following graduation from Dorchester High School in 1942, Cissy was a nurse in the U.S. Navy. For many years thereafter, she worked for the U.S. Postal Service.

As the beautiful wife of the late Nathan Ernest, she truly relished her role of mother to Sharyn Kirsner, Shelley Abrams and husband Joe, Paula Asnes and husband Neal, Cindy Stewart and husband Ed, Faith Morton and husband Gregg, and Kym Lamarre and husband David. Her life further blossomed as “Big Nan” to grandchildren Erica, Chad, Shanna, Heather, Ashley, Meghan, Britny, Shannon, Jocelyn, Brandon, and Gregg Jr., and great-grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, Camden, Landry, and Emma; and as a special “Auntie Cissy” to Pamela Lazarus and godson Adam Peller. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sharyn.

Cissy enjoyed many hobbies and activities: playing cards, penny slots, Mah Jong; knitting; reading, shopping; and collecting dolls, antiques, and special sayings.

Funeral Services will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton on Friday. September 25, 2015 at 12 Noon.

Shiva to be observed at the home of Paula and Neal Asnes following interment and continuing through Monday, September 28th beginning daily at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joy’s memory may be made to the Robin Joyce Leukemia and Lymphoma Research Fund: Checks made to BIDMC/Leukemia-Lymphoma, with “SHARYN KIRSNER” noted on the memo line, mailed to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

To view the service, go to http://webcast.dignitymemorial.com/events/login/9418 and enter Memorial ID: 9418 Password: KZCB5.