Joyce Bedrava Ebmeyer

Penfield, New York

Joyce passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025.  She was born on December 29, 1937 in Butler, PA, the daughter of Ann and Frederick Bedrava.  She is survived by her husband James; sons, Jeff (Tina) Ebmeyer and Chris (Roseann) Ebmeyer;  daughter, Lynn Martin; 5 grandchildren, William Ebmeyer, Reef Martin, Emily Ebmeyer, Sophia Martin and Addison Ebmeyer, who all live nearby.  Joyce graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1959 and took a job at Vassar University in Poughkeepsie, NY.  She met her future husband there and they married in 1962.  Two years later they relocated to the Rochester area. Joyce embarked on a life-long career in education beginning in the Brighton School District as an elementary teacher. After a couple of years Joyce took time out to raise her three children. Joyce returned to work outside the home, earning her Masters degree in Education and a subsequent Doctorate of Education in 1986.  Joyce then spent nearly 20 years as a career counselor and administrator at B.O.C.E.S #1 in Fairport, retiring in 2000. Joyce was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and children’s issues and supported the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in retirement. Joyce and Jim were avid sailors owning a 38 and then 40 foot, sailboat where they spent many summers. The highlight of sailing for Joyce, beyond socializing with friends at the Sodus Bay Yacht Club, were two 9 month trips down the intra-coastal waterway to Florida and back. Joyce also enjoyed annual summer trips with Jeff’s family on the boat to the Thousand Islands. Joyce took up skiing after meeting Jim, volunteering with the Swain Ski Patrol and spent many winters on the slopes.

Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Service for Joyce on Monday, December 1st at 2:00pm in the Mausoleum Chapel of Oakwood Cemetery, 1975 Baird Road, Penfield.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Joyce’s memory to Lollypop Farm.