Joyce Saydah (nee Ontra), 92, of Closter, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Theodore Michael Saydah for 63 years. Devoted mother of Gerard and wife Judy, JoAnne Therese, Jenifer Saydah and fiancé Kevin, and Jill Marie Ross and late husband George. Adored grandmother (Emmy) of Erica Joyce DiMarzo and husband Rob, Michelle Saydah, Mary Gabrielle Saydah and fiancé Jorge, Theo Saydah and wife Danu, and James Saydah. Dearest sister of the late Rose Marie Kenney and Joseph Ontra. Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews, and dear friend to countless others.
Joyce graduated from Notre Dame Academy, Albertus Magnus College, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. She began her career as an actress on Broadway and received a contract offer from CBS. Joyce wholeheartedly chose love and marriage to her soulmate, Ted, and starting their family over career. Joyce was fluent in four languages and privately tutored students in French, Spanish, and Latin. She had also been Public Assistance Director in Closter for many years, founding Closter’s first Food Locker, now known as the Closter Food Pantry. She was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, Closter, and along with her husband, Ted, taught CCD. Joyce’s warmth, faith, kindness, and dedication to helping others will be remembered and continues on through her loved ones.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 11 AM to 1 PM, at which time a funeral service will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
A charity close to Joyce’s heart is the NJ Rett Syndrome Association. Donations in her memory may be made to NJRSA, www.njrsa.org.
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