Joyce K. O’Connell, 85, of Fredonia died Thursday evening, February 9, 2017. She was born November 25, 1931 in Dunkirk, the daughter of the late Theodore Nikitas and Doris (Akrom) Mott.
A lifelong area resident, Joyce was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1949. She served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1950. She had a successful career as a secretary at Brooks Memorial Hospital in the pathology department.
A member of First United Presbyterian Church, Shorewood Country Club, Adams Art Gallery, and the Fredonia Shakespeare Club, she also was a life member of Fredonia Beaver Club and Dunkirk Yacht Club. Joyce enjoyed playing cards with her many friends, was an avid gardener and loved going to the horse races and casinos on occasion. Joyce kept a detailed diary of all of her worldly adventures. She also was the family historian with all of her pictures and descriptions to a detail. Joyce also enjoyed sailing, skiing, playing tennis with the Dunkirk Tennis Club, and golfing at Shorewood Country Club.
Survivors include two sons, William (Susan) O’Connell of Dunkirk and Nicholas (Silvia) O’Connell of Walpole, MA; one daughter, Lee Ellen (Gustav) Potkovick of Fredonia; two grandchildren, Eric (Amanda) Potkovick and Stacey (Philip) Schrantz; three great-grandchildren, Brian Schrantz, Tess Potkovick, and Rauri Potkovick; one sister-in-law, Loretta Nikitas; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Milton Nikitas; and two sisters, Carol (Joseph) Kulig and Theadora (Charles) Gill.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 12 at 3:00 PM in the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. The Rev. Thomas Burian will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 1:00-3:00 PM, two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in Willowbrook Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 East Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Obituary from the Observer
