Joyce Ann Caldwell

" Joyce Ann Caldwell (Birbeck) 86 of Chicopee Massachusetts passed on peacefully July third 2014, joining her beloved husband Major Matthew H. Caldwell II, while surrounded by family. Joyce, born in East Liverpool Ohio to Leroy and Marjorie Birbeck and sister of Robert Birbeck, Joseph Birbeck, Linda Lyndon, Arden Duffy and Susan Cornwell, was a woman of many talents and attributes. Following in her mother's footsteps Joyce, attended Muskingum University in New Concord OH completing a degree in Education. In her youth Joyce broke social boundaries as one of the first female radio announcers. During this time she captured the heart of her husband while she interviewed him on her radio show. Joyce traveled the world alongside her husband a major in the United States Air Force. Upon returning to the States, Joyce embarked on a twenty seven year career as an educator. In Ohio where she began teaching, she worked with the teamsters. Joyce then moved to Chicopee teaching English at Chicopee Comprehensive High School and Public Speaking at American International College. Joyce spent many summers at Corn Hill in Truro, Mass with friends and family. Joyce, a deacon at St. Paul's Episcopal Church was a beloved member of her spiritual community for over fifty years. She was a member of the vestry and taught Bethel classes there for many years. Joyce was an avid bird watcher and lover of nature. She supported many charities such as the Mass Audubon society and many veterans programs. Joyce is predeceased by her husband, parents, sister's Linda Lyndon, Susan Cornwell, Brother Joseph Birbeck and daughter Drucilla Greaney. She is survived by her sister Arden Duffy of East Liverpool OH, Brother Robert Birbeck of Wells VT, Children Kimberly Caldwell of Chicopee, Michelle Groux of Belchertown, Marcella Jackson of Belchertown, Cynthia Caldwell of Bondsville, Matthew Caldwell IIII of Belchertown, Kathleen Caldwell of Chicopee, Jay Caldwell of St. Petersburg FL, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 9th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Holyoke. Burial will be held on Friday July, 11th at 11:30 a.m. at Bourne National Veterans' Cemetery, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to National MS Society P.O. Box 4527 New York, NY 10163. For more information please visit www.beersandstory.com "