Joyce Tobkes, 72

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JERICHO, N.Y. – Joyce (Lewis) Tobkes died unexpectedly on Aug. 10. She was born in Providence, the daughter of Lillian (Shushansky) Lewis of Warwick and the late Benjamin Lewis. She was the wife of Alan Tobkes for 50 years. Joyce also is survived by her children, Michael Tobkes, of Vista, California; Karen Lanker and her husband, Cory, of Livermore, California; her sister Helene Goldstein and her husband, Brian, of Wakefield; her brother Martin Lewis and his wife, Alice of Spencer, Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Hope High School, Joyce received a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree from Long Island University. While raising her children, Joyce volunteered in several organizations and served as president of ORT, the world’s largest vocational training organization for Jews. Joyce was the program director for more than 20 years at JASA, the Jewish Association Serving the Aged, in Long Beach, New York, where she coordinated a wide range of intellectual, cultural and social events and trips for seniors. 

In recent years, Joyce was active at the Syosset Public Library, where she created “Let’s Chat,” an open forum helping seniors cope with the mental and emotional challenges of aging. She was also a frequent library keynote speaker and a tutor of English as a Second Language.

Joyce was blessed with a profuse love of literature, language, history, the arts, classical music and travel. She was a creative needlepointer and knitter. Joyce will always be treasured by family and friends for her vivacious personality, her quick wit and her indomitable spirit.

Contributions may be made to Friends of the Syosset Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, NY 11791 or the charity of your choice.