Joyce Markey

Born outside of London, England, Joyce came to America through Ellis Island at the age of 4 with her parents, George C. and Nellie Bartrip (both deceased) and three sisters – Grace, Marjorie (deceased), and Doris. They settled in Buffalo, NY where Joyce met and married her beloved Don (Doc) (deceased). They had four children, Paul, Kathleen, Carl, and Marjorie. Joyce, Doc, and children relocated to Sarasota in 1961, first living on Longboat Key where Joyce loved to fish and watch the sunsets.

Joyce was the office administrator for Markey Heating and Cooling, and also worked at Maas Brothers in downtown Sarasota for many years. Joyce’s life was filled with music, laughter, and she had a special gift for making friends and opening her heart to all who knew her. Some of her favorite things included singing (especially with her sisters and brother), watching old movies and MASH on TV, listening to her favorite crooner Perry Como, and sitting on her lanai enjoying the view. She devoted her life to her family and her long list of extended friends. No matter how she felt she never failed to ask everyone she came in contact with about themselves and their families – always wanting to hear what everyone was doing.

Joyce is survived by her remaining siblings – Grace Metzler, Doris Kaye, and Donald Bartrip, her children – Paul Markey, Kathleen Hunter, Carl Markey, and Marjorie Shelley, seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Joyce’s life is best described by two phrases from her favorite movie, Moonstruck – “a la famiglia” and “te amo”.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday – Jan 4, 2011, at 2:30 P.M. in the Church of the Redeemer, 222 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Following the memorial service there will be Sunset Cruise on the Marina Jack II which will depart at 5:00 P.M. from the Marina. Please RSVP to Marjorie Shelley if you plan to participate in the Sunset Dinner Cruise at 770-449-7226 or [email protected]

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the donor’s local animal shelter or to the Manasota Lighthouse for the Blind, 7318 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243-1401.

Arrangements under the direction of Palms - Robarts Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Sarasota, FL.