Joyce M. Sheils

"Find the joy in whatever life brings you."

Joyce Marshall Dwyer Sheils, 93, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 11, 2026, with her family by her side. Born in 1933, and a lifelong Rochester resident, Joyce lived a long, full, and faith-centered life defined by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering ability to find joy in every season and circumstance. 

Joyce was predeceased by her husband's Bernard Dwyer and John Sheils, her sister, Margaret (Larry) Cleere-Kalb, and by her daughter Barbara "Bunny" Vahue.

She is survived by her children: Daniel (Lisa) Dwyer, Jeanne (Roy) Hovey, Michael (Caroline) Dwyer, Paul (Debbie) Dwyer, and Kathryn (David) Arduini. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, humor, and joy.

Joyce married Bernard "Bernie" Dwyer, with whom she raised six children. Widowed at just 37 after Bernie's sudden passing, Joyce leaned deeply on her Catholic faith as she navigated life with strength and grace. Several years later, Joyce married John Sheils, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in 2002. She also endured the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Barbara "Bunny" Dwyer, 11 years ago, yet continued to embody the joyful resilience that became her hallmark.

Professionally, Joyce devoted her career to caring for children as a pediatric nurse, at Wilson Center, offering comfort, steadiness, and kindness to countless families. In retirement, she continued her lifelong commitment to service as a hospice volunteer at Journey Home, providing peace and companionship to those in their final days.

Joyce's commitment to her multi-generational family, actively embracing the role of matriarch, was at the core of her being. Her circle of lifelong friends was deep and enduring, a testament to her warmth, humor, and generosity. In her senior year's Joyce developed a love for "game day" with the girls, breakfast weekdays after mass with dear friends and an avid love for reading. And her steadfast commitment to value shopping was legendary. She was known for her gentle spirit, her ever-present humming-sometimes a familiar tune, sometimes a melody all her own-and her ability to lift the mood of any room she entered. To both family and friends, she was the "Happy Warrior," meeting life's challenges with faith, courage, and a smile.

Her family also wishes to acknowledge and thank the fabulous team of aids from Home Instead who helped the family tremendously these last few months, especially Rose and Nadia.

Visitation will be held at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home on Monday March 16th, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce requested that donations be directed to Journey Home or Hope Hall in her honor.  To share a personal memory, please visit the link below.