Joyce Emily Cooney

Joyce was a passionate, caring, and compassionate woman who dedicated much of her life to helping others. She had a remarkable ability to see the good in people and believed that everyone deserved dignity, compassion, and an opportunity to move forward. She gave people chances when others would not and touched the lives of countless people through her kindness and willingness to help.

Joyce worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections as a Drug and Alcohol Therapist, where she dedicated herself to helping people through difficult times. She later served the Mohegan Tribe as Director of Social Services, continuing her commitment to supporting individuals and families in need. She was also a strong advocate for the Special Needs Committee and services, working to make sure that people received the support and opportunities they deserved.

Joyce was never one to hesitate when someone needed help. She was always willing to volunteer, lend a hand, or find a way to make a difference. Her compassion extended far beyond her professional life and was simply part of who she was.

Outside of her work helping others, Joyce had many interests that brought her happiness. She loved gardening and cooking and had a deep interest in learning about natural medicines. She also enjoyed taking on home improvement projects and could often be found keeping busy working on something around the house. She was curious, independent, and always interested in learning something new.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Cooney, and her parents, Katherine “Kay” Allen and Russell Allen.

She is survived by her five children, Jennifer Cooney, Michael Cooney, David Cooney, Jeffrey Cooney, and Melissa Cooney Mountzoures; and her siblings, Tina (Jim) Bourke, Penny (Bob) Chellevold, Dolly (Marvin) Baird, Russell Allen, and Kathy (Fred) Gunnon.

Joyce leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and kindness. The lives she touched will forever carry the memory of a woman who believed in helping others, giving people another chance, and treating everyone with dignity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she made better.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a local Hospice organization in Joyce’s memory.

Funeral Service will be Saturday Nov. 7, 2026 11:am at the Montville Funeral Home 53 Norwich New London Tpke.Uncasville. Burial will follow in Ft. Shantok Burial Grounds Uncasville.

May Joyce rest peacefully, knowing that the kindness she gave so freely will continue to live on in the lives of those she touched.