Joyce Crookes

Joyce E. Crookes, 76, formerly of Albany, NY, who had been residing with her daughter in Brighton, CO, since 1999, died on March 18, 2017, which was also her birthday. Joyce was born on March 18, 1941, the daughter of the late George and Elsie Fuda of Albany, NY. She graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, and worked in publishing and as a teacher and then as a full-time mother to her two children.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years Clifford James (Jim) Crookes of Niskayuna, NY. Joyce and her husband lived most of their married life in Glendale, AZ. Joyce authored poems, short stories and historical fiction. She loved to spend time with her dog Belle and cat Nellie. Her hobbies included gardening, music and reading. Her fondest memories include meeting President John F. Kennedy and spending time with her children, grandchildren and her grandfather Fuda, a first-generation Italian immigrant.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Gamble of Brighton, CO, and Christopher Crookes of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren Ashton and Joel Thompson of Brighton, CO, and Maci, Makenzie and Makaylie Crookes of Phoenix, AZ; her brother Michael Fuda of Buffalo, NY, and her sister Nancy Chervinsky of Syracuse, NY.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2017, at her daughter's home, 2280 E. 138th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80602. Arrangements for out-of-state attendees can be coordinated through Jennifer.mary.gamble@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on her behalf to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, or to Save the Children, her favorite charity, http://www.savethechildren.org.