Born May 24, 1921 in Kenilworth, England, she was the daughter of the late John and Rosina (Lockwood) Vickery and the wife of the late Norman C. Cross. In 1954, following WWII, Mr. and Mrs. Cross emigrated to the U.S. and eventually settled in Southborough.
She was a kindergarten teacher at the Pine Tree Country School, Southborough and volunteered many years of service with her husband at South Middlesex ARC. She was also very involved at the Life Experience School in Millis as a parent.
Joyce was an avid potter and owner, with her late sister Beryl, of a pottery studio, Pilgrims Way Potters, selling their works throughout the area.
She apprenticed at her mother’s tailoress shop in England and became a successful dressmaker. She enjoyed sewing throughout her life making clothing for her entire family. She also enjoyed needlepoint, reading, and gardening. A true cat lover, especially Siamese cats, Joyce always had at least one, if not more, with her at all times.
She is survived by her daughters, Annette Clement and her husband Rob of Hudson and Veronica Cove and her husband Paul of West Yarmouth, as well as two grandsons, Adam and Ryan Cove of New Bedford. She was also the mother of the late Sandra Rose Cross and the sister of the late Beryl Heyn.
Donations may be made to the Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest St., Marlborough, MA 01752 or Life Experience School, 16 Lavender St., Millis, MA 02054, which Joyce’s daughter attended for 34 years.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough, and will be private.
