Joyce A. Trombley, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. She was born in Elmira, New York, the daughter of the late Otto and Dorothy Richards on December 29, 1930. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Steven and Richard Cowell, and Richard’s wife Linda. She is survived by daughter in law Edith, granddaughters Katrina (Virgil) Newberry and Sarah Cowell plus numerous stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After graduating with a RN degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Elmira in 1952, Joyce settled in Penn Yan, NY and spent many years working as an invaluable OR nurse at Soldiers & Sailors’ Hospital. While in Penn Yan she married Kenneth Cowell and they had two sons Steven and Richard. In 1977, she moved to Burns, Oregon to begin her second marriage to Don Corcoran (children Molly, William and Susan). While in Oregon, Joyce worked as an OR nurse at Harney District Hospital where she was praised as both exceptional and indispensable.
Don passed in 2006 and, in the following year, she moved to the The Villages, FL and married Richard Trombley (children Edward, Joseph, Steven, Timothy, Andrew and Chris). While in The Villages Joyce had many friends she met volunteering at the local Veterans’ clinic, traveling, playing bridge, mahjong, golf, and caring for several beloved cats.
Joyce was an excellent cook and avid traveler who visited many countries (over 25), enjoyed cruises (over 45) and hosting dinner parties. She loved Willie Nelson (who blew her a kiss at one of his concerts), reading and many sports (especially her beloved New York Yankees, who she got to see several times in the VIP section thanks to her dear friend Barb).
Joyce’s love of traveling, sports, cooking and reading made her a trivia master who was eagerly sought by many trivia teams in The Villages.
Joyce will be remembered for the bright spirit and positive outlook she brought to every moment. She had a gift of connecting with all people, both young and old. Her remarkable memory allowed her to share stories and reminisce with family and friends. “Grandma Joyce” will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her
stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on March 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Laurel Manor Rec Center in The Villages. Interment will be private.