Joy Hudecz

Dr. Joy Hudecz passed away suddenly on December 21, 2022, in New York City. Joy was born in Mansfield, Ohio to Marie Louise and Rudolph Hudecz. As a young girl her family moved to Milford, Delaware. Tragically, in 1960 both of Joy’s parents passed away. She and her sister, Suzanne, joined the Burton family. As a teenager Joy excelled in academics and sports. She made lifelong friends in high school which gave her great joy.

After Joy’s graduation from Manhattanville College she became a high school science teacher. A few years later, she moved to New York City becoming a foreign exchange trader at J. P. Morgan. In finding a place to live in New York City she met Honey and Alex Weintrob and became part of their growing family. Later, she followed her passion completing her D.D.S. and orthodontic training at Columbia University. She had a private orthodontic practice in Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope for many years. During this time, she continued to teach at the Columbia Orthodontic Clinic, sharing her expertise. She was still practicing orthodontics and teaching at the Interfaith Medical Center at the time of her death.

Always active, Joy had many interests including sailing, gardening, traveling, museums, music, hiking, cooking and crafts. Her interest in gardening made her condo a wonderland of plants. She was a member and volunteer with the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and the Central Park Conservancy. Scuba diving was a passion especially in Indonesia. Some of her favorite hiking experiences were in Israel, India, Jamaica, and Bolivia. From deserts to mountains, she enjoyed learning about the world and its people. Joy loved to entertain both her friends and family. She could whip up a special delicious meal just for you.

Long Beach Island was a dearly loved second home where her garden flourished. Whenever she arrived, she would sing her joy of being there. There was time for sailing and motor boating. She loved nature and each year volunteered to help clean up the beach, supported Save Barnegat Bay and delighted in watching life in the marsh from her home. Frequently Joy would walk on the beach with her beloved dog Skippy running and playing. Recently they both passed the therapy dog training course.

The passing of her partner, Malcolm Meistrell, in 2008, was a great loss for Joy. She was also preceded in death by her foster parents, Irwin and Maradel Burton, siblings, Bonnie Barnidge, Sally Sonnichsen and John Burton. She is survived by her siblings and their spouses, David and Ann Burton, George Sonnichsen, Nellie Ziegler, Suzanne and Harry Graham, Gloria Burton, Peggy and Gary Spengler; Irwin (I.G.) Burton III and many nieces and nephews, and the Weintrob family. She will be missed by her family and her many friends, especially Renee Bruce.

What made Joy so special was that she was always thinking of others. Her wish was to be remembered with a smile.

Donation can be made in memory of Joy to Central Park Conservancy or Save Barnegat Bay.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankecampbell.com.