Obituary of Joy Stay

Joy (Beecroft) Stay, 96, of Melbourne Beach, Florida, died peacefully Saturday, March 26, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Frederick R. Stay. Joy was born in Mechanicville, NY, November 17, 1919, the daughter of the late John A. and Hazel (Connor) Beecroft. Prior to moving to Florida in November of 2014 to live with son Jeff and daughter-in-law Liz, Joy was a lifelong resident of Schaghticoke, NY. Joy worked for the Watervliet Arsenal for several years during the 1940+óGé¼Gäós. She and Fred met through brother Jack after Fred returned from serving in WWII. Joy was instrumental in forming the Mavericks Drum and Bugle Corps with the help of several local friends and other mothers who wanted to create a fun activity for the kids in the community. She enjoyed traveling with the drum and bugle corps on the weekends to many of the city parades and drum corps competitions. Joy was also a Cub Scout leader. Some of her favorite pastimes were digging for antique bottles, antiquing in general, and finding those great bargains on collectibles. Joy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Frederick Stay; sons Jeff (Liz) Stay and John Stay; eight grandchildren, Toby, Taylor, Trevor, Justin, Bryan, Derek, Kyle, and Erin; five great grandchildren, Jesse, Tanner, Easton, Zyler, and Emma; sister Hope Grogan; and brother Jack Beecroft. Joy was also predeceased by son Fred +óGé¼+ôSqueeky+óGé¼-¥ Stay; brother Tom Beecroft; and sister Norma Hagadorn. Arrangements entrusted to Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Melbourne, 321-724-2222.Burial at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery will be on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. with the immediate family.The Stay family would like to thank Susan, Angela, Jean, Karen, Shannon, Patty, and Dr Ruiz from Hospice of Health First for their compassionate care of Joy and all they did for the family. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Hospice of Health First – Melbourne, 1900 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904.