Joyce Claire Torneo, 59, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 (her 59th birthday).

She was the daughter of the late Joseph R. Torneo and the late Virginia (DeMaio) Torneo.

Joyce grew up in East Hartford, Conn., and graduated from George J. Penney High School.  She received an A.S. in Business Administration from Manchester Community College and a B.A. in American Studies from St. Joseph College, West Hartford both in Connecticut.

Joyce was the owner of the Quiche House in Glastonbury during the 1980s and worked as an operations manager in the education loan servicing industry for almost twenty years, most recently for SallieMae.

Joyce spent the last thirteen years living in Warren and most recently in Bristol.

She held both Massachusetts and Rhode Island real estate licenses.

Joyce enjoyed traveling, kayaking with friends, and jewelry making, both as a hobby and business (Rejoyce Designs).  She was passionate about studying the Word of God, which she did for many years in Massachusetts at Grace Bible Church in Somerset and then at Grace Gospel Church in Swansea.

Joyce is survived by her family in Connecticut: Aunt Lucy Torneo of East Windsor, a sister, Janice Torneo of Manchester, a brother, Robert Torneo of East Windsor, a sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Skip Dagon, and two nephews, Joseph and James Dagon all of East Hartford.  She leaves her beloved cats, Livy and Skyler.

Joyce has been graced and blessed by so many friends, both near and far.  She will be remembered for her generosity, devotion and, above all else, her compassion for others.

The family would like to thank the Hartford Hospital and the VNA Healthcare Hospice staff for all their support.

Funeral services will be Monday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter St., East Hartford, Conn. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, (Section 2), Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury, Conn.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 - 5 p.m.

Memorial donations in Joyce’s name are requested to Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries, P.O. Box 3519, Cranston, RI 02910, or to Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter, 11 Broadcommon Road, Unit 155, Bristol, RI 02809, or to HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS-6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.