Joy Sanford, 60, of Toms River, NJ, formerly of Acton, MA, passed away peacefully at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester, MA surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 24, 2018.
Joy is survived by her brother, Dana M. Sanford and wife Barbara Hansen-Sanford of Lancaster, MA; her two sisters, Andrea S. Hockridge and husband Jack of North Adams, MA and Marily S. English and her husband David of Salinas, CA. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Kendra Joy Millay and husband Ryan of Norwood, MA, Matthew Hockridge of Boston, MA, Meagan Curry and husband Patrick of Canton, MA, Neka Sanford of Clinton, MA, Laura Sanford of Los Angeles, CA; her two cousins, Gary Sanford of Westford, MA, Paul Sanford of Florida along with her loyal dog “Mattie," a Chihuahua-Pug mix breed female she loved and cared for, and her many caring and loving friends.
Joy was born in Denver, CO, the daughter of the late Lloyd C. and Marilyn (McNeill) Sanford. She was raised in Acton since the age of 1, attending local schools and later studying art at Boston University. Joy spent time in the 80s and early 90s working at the Rusty Scupper Restaurant in Acton, Bullfinchs Restaurant in Sudbury along with several other local food venues. She has resided in Toms River, NJ since 1993.
Joy was a very spiritual individual, bringing hope and happiness to everyone she met. She was the founder and owner of “The Joy of Cleaning” home cleaning company, which she operated for many years in Toms River, NJ. The friendships she developed over the many years through her work remained strong, even as her health declined recently and was unable to perform some of the tasks. Her clients were loyal friends who will cherish her giving spirit forever. In her spare time, her talents in the arts created a rewarding hobby and she was well known for her flare in customizing her clothing to suit her taste. She will be missed and never forgotten.
Family and friends are encouraged to attend visitation on Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service in memory of Joy at 2:00 pm in the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave. (Rte 111) Acton, MA. Urn burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Acton will be held later in the Spring of 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joy may be made to The Popcorn Park-Associated Humane Societies, Human Way at Lacey Road, PO Box 43, Forked River, NJ. 08731-0043, online at https://www.ahscares.org/ContentPage/145
Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com