Joyce M. (Simard) Kissel, 73, Worked at Buchika’s Ski Shop

joyce_kisselJoyce M. (Simard) Kissel, 73, wife of Vincent M. Kissel, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 26, at her home.

Born in Haverhill, she was the daughter of the late Francis A. and Caroline Simard. Raised and educated in Haverhill, she was a graduate of St. James High School, class of 1960. She was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in Student Government Day activities in the city of Haverhill. She was employed at Colonial Shoe Ornament in Haverhill as a shipper in her early working days. Later, she was employed at Buchika’s Ski Shop in Haverhill as a bookkeeper for more than 20 years and as a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service in Andover for eight years. She also assisted her husband in managing his plumbing business and volunteered for many years as a support group facilitator for those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and their caregivers. She enjoyed the outdoors including swimming, boating and fishing and was a long time member of the Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club. She spent many happy summers at Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire with her family. She enjoyed gardening and took great pride in tending to her flower gardens on Ringgold Street where she and her family lived for many years.  She was married to her high school sweetheart and the love of her life for more than 55 years.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her only son Michael P. Kissel and his wife Marie D. of Hampstead, N.H.; her grandson Mark A. Kissel; three sisters, Irene MacAvoy and her husband Alan of Haverhill, Patricia Goodrich of Haverhill and Donna McDonald and her husband Bernard of Kingston, N.H.; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kissel of Lawrence and Kimberly Kissel of Plaistow, N.H.; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers in law, Philip Kissel, Paul Goodrich and Daniel Kissel.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours Tuesday, May 31, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will be Wednesday, 10 a.m., in the funeral home. Burial follows at St. James Cemetery, 360 Primrose St., Haverhill. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472, an organization for whom she volunteered and whose mission was near to her heart.

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