Joyce Ann Woods

Joyce Ann Woods (Phelan), 73, of Pearl River, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 6, 2020.   Joyce was born in the Bronx on May 22,1946 to Margaret (Mullins) and James Phelan. She grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan and married John Woods on October 18, 1969 at Church of the Good Shepherd.   They moved to Rockland in 1972 and resided in Pearl River over 42 years. Joyce was a beloved elementary teacher for many years, retiring from the Westwood School District in 2011. She had a true gift for teaching and making learning fun and all students feel special; she was a recipient of the Empire State Challenger Fellowship and many teaching awards including New Jersey educator of the year.  Her greatest joy in life was her family; she cherished time together and loved making memories, especially at the beach. Her favorite role was Grandma to the lights of her life. She was kind to everyone and has touched so many lives, young and old. Beloved wife of John Woods. Loving mother of Eileen (Al) Staker. Cherished grandmother of Kathryn, Patrick, and Brendan Staker. Dear sister of Jane Smith and James (Molly) Phelan, loving aunt and treasured cousin. Predeceased by her beloved son, James Woods (9/11).  Joyce’s family will receive friends Thursday, January 9th from 3-5pm and 7-9pm at Wyman Fisher Funeral Home, Pearl River.  Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, January 11th at 10am St. Aedan's Church, Pearl River. Interment to follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Nanuet. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James Woods Scholarship Fund, 36 Pinto Road Pearl River, NY 10965.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Ann Woods, please visit our floral store.