Joyce Lorraine Fielder LaRow

 

Morrisville-Joyce Lorraine Fielder LaRow, 90, died peacefully on Saturday, January 2^nd at the home of her son and daughter-in-law where she had been lovingly cared for over the past two and a half years.  She was born on June 25^th, 1930 in Stowe as the only child to Charles and Brenda Fielder.  Joyce attended and graduated from school in the one-room schoolhouse adjacent to the Helen Day Art Center, and she lived most of her life in Stowe before moving to Sterling View in Hyde Park and then to Morrisville.  She married Floyd LaRow on August 7^th, 1948 and they went on to have six children.  Joyce was known to her family and friends as a pillar of strength, practicality and absolute goodness.

 

Joyce worked in the Stowe Elementary School cafeteria for thirteen years moving on to the High School where she became the head of the Stowe school lunch program.  She worked at SHS for fourteen more years while her children and grandchildren passed through the ranks.  Her retirement was recognized in a feature story in the May 23, 1998 Stowe Reporter.  No child ever went hungry under Joyce’s watch.  Her work ethic was legendary—as was her crafting ability.

 

Joyce was a member of the Common Threads Quilt Guild.  She was known for making intricate and much-loved quilts and other crafts for which she won numerous awards at Lamoille County Field Days over the years.  To the delight of her family, on Christmas she would say, “I didn’t do anything special this year.  You’re all just getting quilts.”  Humble, hard-working and kind she was the Matriarch of a large extended family and she loved each and every member unconditionally.  She treated everyone by the Golden Rule and when witnessing impropriety she would utter her famous phrase, “There’s just no need of it!”

 

In addition to working and raising her family, Joyce enjoyed bowling in a league, snowmobiling, riding bikes on the Stowe Rec. Path with her girlfriends and attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

 

Retirement did not slow her down as she went on to volunteer as a greeter at Copley Hospital and worked at Second Chance for many years.  Even into her eighties, Joyce prepared and served meals at numerous private and public events throughout Stowe.

 

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Floyd in 1995, her sons, Charlie and Gary, her daughter, Michelle, her granddaughter, Cathy and great-grandchildren, Chloe and Reihlen.  She is survived by her son, Bruce LaRow and wife, Dede of Morrisville; her son, Norm LaRow and wife, Lee of Johnson; her daughter, Lynne Houston of Waynesville, MO; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren-along with many wonderful friends.

 

Graveside services will be held in late spring at the family’s convenience.  Faith Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lamoille Community Food Share, 197 Harrel St., Morrisville, VT  05661.

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