Wappingers Falls – Joyce Elaine Rao, 69, an area resident since 1975 died peacefully on July 27, 2022 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born Joyce Coville on July 9, 1953 in Little Falls, NY, she was the daughter of Daniel Coville and Geraldine (Fonda) Coville. Joyce enjoyed gardening, taking care of her houseplants, crocheting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, reading books, traveling, vacationing, bowling, and doing puzzles, crosswords, jumbles, and sudoku. She was always a dog lover, especially her last dog Molly, who truly touched her heart and was always by her side. But most importantly, she was a stay-at-home mom, which she really loved the most.

Joyce is survived by her husband Anthony Rao, who she married on August 9, 1975 at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction. They were married for 47 years. She is also survived by her daughters, Melanie Rao with wife Mary McVoy, Kristen Rao, and Allison Rao; her granddaughter, Piper (who was her pride and joy); her brother, Charles Coville and his wife Sue; and her nieces and nephews, Missy Baker, Nicole Rao (who saw her as a second mom), William Rao, Jaime Cleveland, and Charlie Coville.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-6 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. There will be a funeral service at 5:30 pm.