Joyce (Shefkind) Neri, a long-time resident of Sandy Hook, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends on Wednesday, February at Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut in Danbury. She was born on April 1, 1946, to Aaron Shefkind and Christina (Mainiero) Shefkind of Botsford. She was the younger sister to Judy Gross of Maine.

Joyce is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Anthony S Neri. She was predeceased by her son, Alan Unger. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Brochu, and her husband, Gene; her stepdaughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Carl; and her stepson, Anthony, and his wife, Michelle. Joyce’s greatest joys were her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Brandon and Alexa Unger, Hayden, Gabe, and Eli Brochu, Taylor and Jared Olimpieri, and Brooklyn Neri.

Joyce had an uncanny ability to make anyone in her presence feel special. This was evident in the lifelong friendships she maintained. She most loved spending time with family, was an avid reader, and loved traveling and her Bernese mountain dog pets. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, kindness, intelligence, and deep connections she made with so many.

Calling hours will be on Monday, February 8, from 4 to 8 pm at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown. A private funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 9.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smilow Cancer Center, Yale-New Haven Hospital at givetoynhh.org/ways-to-give.