Obituary of Joyce Louise (Hamill) Towne

Joyce L. (Hamill) Towne Middleton/Beverly -- Joyce Louise (Hamill) Towne, 72, of Beverly and formerly of Middleton, died peacefully on Thursday January 7, 2016 at the Beverly Hospital after an extended illness. She was born in Lynn, MA on February 13, 1943, the daughter of the late Malcolm H. Hamill and Bertha L (Bowers) Medina. Joyce later moved to Peabody graduating from Peabody High School in 1960. Joyce received an associates degree in computer science from North Shore Community College. She lived in Hamilton later relocating to Middleton where she resided for many years prior to her recent move to Colonial Gardens in Beverly. Joyce had a long career as a computer programmer, and worked or contracted at many locations including American Mutual, ISI, DTA, Marshall’s, and Electric Mutual Insurance until her retirement. Joyce was a passionate animal lover. She bred Appaloosa horses and Cairn Terrier dogs. She particularly loved her pet Australian Shepherds. Joyce belonged to Old Colony Obedience Club, and trained her dogs in obedience and agility, winning numerous awards. Joyce was a skilled seamstress, enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and was an avid reader. She is survived by her sisters Sally L. Mammen & husband Charles of Beverly, Susan E. McCatherin of Peabody and Nancy J. Medina of Amesbury; her brother William J. Medina of Peabody; nieces and nephews Marissa and Benjamin Clifford of Amesbury, Charles and John McCatherin of Peabody, and Derek and Cory Medina of Woburn. She will sadly be missed by all. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home 82 Lynn St., Peabody facility. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 or to a charity of one’s choice.