Stella "Betty" Joy

She was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Stella (Saulnier) Poland. At the age of 15, Betty met the love of her life, John “Buzzy” Joy, at a school dance. They were married on October 12, 1957, and shared an extraordinary 68 years of marriage. Together, they built a home in Hanover and raised their family, creating a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion. Betty proudly supported her husband in the operation of his printing company, always standing beside him as a true partner in both life and work.

A woman of deep faith and service, Betty served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church in Hanover. She worked for more than 25 years at South Shore Hospital as an inventory controller and was the founder of the Hanover Chapter of Tough Love, reflecting her commitment to helping others and strengthening families.

An avid reader, Betty also found great joy in nature, especially watching the birds visit her feeder. She will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Betty was the devoted wife of the late John J. Joy, Jr.; the loving mother of Donna Bartholomew and her husband Marty of Hanover, Rita Joy and her fiancé Gary Sassu of Plainville, CT, David Joy and his wife Sharon of South Weymouth, Michael Joy and his wife Jill of Hanover, and the late Danny Joy. She is also survived by her dear brother, Ralph Poland and his wife Vicki of Marshfield.

Betty’s favorite thing was to spend time with any of her 12 grandchildren or 13 great grandchildren, all of whom adored their precious “Gammy”. 

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street (Rt. 53), Hanover. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 13th, at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 392 Hanover Street, Hanover. Burial will be private.

To view the livestream of the Funeral Mass, click here.