Online Obituaries

Joyce A. Bak “Auntie”, 77, of Chicopee, died with her family by her side on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. She was born on January 27, 1943 in Springfield and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Barbara (Monks) Bak.

She is survived by her wife, Jeri Meuse sharing thirty years together; her sons – Ryan Meuse and his girlfriend, Angela French, son Zachary Meuse and his girlfriend, Colleen Moore, son Nicholas Meuse USMC and his girlfriend, Maddie Cochran ; her sister, Barbara St. Peter and partner Tom Mortimer, brother-in-law, Ed deVarennes; sister-in-law Julie Bak and Jeri’s sisters, Carol Gittles, Barbara Ferris, Mary Ellen Caloon and Patricia Hurley, Joyce is predeceased by her brother, Dennis Bak and sister, Linda deVarennes and her brother-in-laws, Tony Gittles, Stanley Ferris, Ron Caloon and Bill Hurley. She will also be missed by several loving nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Joyce was born in Springfield MA, and for a time lived in Oahu, Hawaii. She graduated from Uniondale High School in New York. She had a long career as a talented burr-hand, owning her own business in the mid-1980’s.

Joyce enjoyed swimming, golfing, her many pets throughout her life, and cold Coors Light. Joyce’s most treasured and enriching accomplishment was raising her 3 sons and enjoyed watching them in sports, music and loved hanging out with them and their friends.

An incredibly talented softball pitcher, Joyce had a career that included playing for Ma Manning’s and traveling nationwide while playing for the Waltham Drifters. She was consistently ranked among the top women’s softball pitchers in the country.

She will be forever remembered for being tough, confident, funny, and the best person to share a bar seat next to – whether at the local Eagles in Chicopee or in the living room. She was one of a kind and her journey will continue by watching over the ones she loves.

Cheers! You buying?

Services will be announced at a later date. Cierpial Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas. J. O’Connor Animal and Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA01104.