Obituary of Joyce E. Hugo

Joyce E. (Montgomery) Hugo passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born the daughter of William and Ruth Montgomery and sister to Arma, Nera (Al Arroyo), Pearl (Kenneth Morrow), William (Patricia), Robert (Connie) and Edward (Patricia) Montgomery, all of whom predeceased her. She married Victor E. Hugo, Sr. in 1955 and together they began their family, Victor (Sandy) Hugo, Jan (Jeff) Peneston, Jill (Joe) Arnold and John (Cate) Hugo.

Mom was the ultimate caregiver and the embodiment of unconditional love, having touched the lives of so many who came into her care, if even for the briefest time. Mom was happiest when she was taking care of someone. Her work at Liberty Enterprises was most fulfilling to her – she paid close attention to the individual needs of each participant/resident and cared for them with as much love in her heart as she did her own family. Extended family members, friends, neighbors and even the occasional stranger benefitted from her generous spirit. Her compassionate heart could always spot someone in need and then her hard-working hands went to work.

No job was too big or too small for Joyce! If you were fortunate enough to let her feed you, you know she was an incredible cook and baker. She was a seamstress, crocheter, crafter and gardener. Many people did not know that she was also a financial wizard, an amateur carpenter, engineer and inventor. We called her MacGyver.

Despite a lifetime of loss and tragedy, Mom always looked for the silver linings and bright spots, which she found in those who called her Gramis; her nine grandchildren, Jim and Michael Hugo, Matthew (Crystal) and Kelly Peneston, Rachel and Jake Arnold, Madison, Lily and Jack Hugo, and GG’s one and only great granddaughter, Emma Peneston.

As Mom’s earthly time was drawing to an end, she was filled with immeasurable grace and gratitude. She thanked her family and God daily for her blessings, even as her body was failing her. She was particularly thankful for the outstanding care she received from her Hospice care team, especially Julie, Amanda and Suzanne, who were instrumental in helping us navigate Mom’s final journey, and providing the compassionate, dignified care Mom always provided others. Mom loved joking with you all and so enjoyed her daily visits with Julie. The appreciation we have for your work can never be adequately conveyed.

Mom is survived by her children and grandchildren, sisters-in-law Beverly Paige and Patricia Montgomery, dear friends Gail Ambrose, Phyllis Mahoney and Lynn Kot, and hundreds of nieces, nephews and cousins.

At Mom’s request, funeral services will include her children and grandchildren only. We will invite family and friends to attend a celebration of her life this summer. Donations in her memory can be made to Camp Erin, a free weekend bereavement camp run by The Community Hospice to support youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. To donate online, please visit givetocommunityhospice.org or mail checks to Camp Erin, c/o The Community Hospice Bereavement Services, 310 S. Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY, 12208.

Heaven has gained an angel for sure, and though we will miss your hugs, your witty repartee and your apple pie, we just know you and Dad are having a beautiful reunion, and we can all rest easy now.