Susan Leslie (Dakers) Joyce

Susan Leslie Joyce, of East Hampton, Connecticut, born May 27, 1963 and passed away peacefully on January 4 th , 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer. The eldest daughter of Donald and Jane Dakers, she is survived by best friend and husband, Terry Joyce, and her cherished son, Wyatt Joyce. She is also survived by her sisters, brother, nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly and who will forever be inspired by her ability to live a life defined by joy, laughter and infectious positivity. Susan attended the University of Southern Maine, a place that reflected her lifelong love for the state. She lived in Portland, Maine for much of her adult life and always held Maine close to her heart. In her younger years, she loved hiking and camping along the Saco River, embracing the outdoors with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything she did. Some of her most treasured memories were family summers in Maine. These summers were filled with laughter and tradition, including the beloved Kids Olympics, where she was a champion corn hole player. Exceptionally athletic, Sue played softball and basketball and proudly held records in javelin and softball throw. Fearless and adventurous, she was often the first to suit up and jump into a river, always ready to try something new. A lover of food, she would often visit new restaurants with her husband. Sue was a devoted New England Patriots fan and never missed a game. She found great joy in baking (especially her famous chocolate chip cookies) and had a special love for animals, particularly her two beloved cats, Cosmo and Jerry. Known as the funniest person in any room, she had an infectious laugh and will be proudly remembered as the “funniest aunt”. She was the first one to send a funny meme when you were down and the last one to fall asleep after late night hours laughing with her sisters. She always saw the positive in everything and had an adventurous spirit that reflected her deep love for life. Truly loved by everyone who knew her, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the joy she brought into the world.

Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Thursday evening Jan. 8th from 5 PM until 7 PM. A Funeral liturgy will be celebrated in St John Paul II Parish of St. Patrick Church in East Hampton on Friday Jan. 9th at 11AM followed by burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. 

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