Joyce Elaine Gallen, 73

DELMAR, N.Y. - Joyce Elaine Gallen, died on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, in Albany Medical Center Hospital surrounded by her family. She fought a short and courageous battle with brain cancer. She was 73. Born in Albany, she was a medical assistant to many doctors offices in the area. After her services in managing practices, she chose to be a care taker for children. She mostly enjoyed caring for Erica Geiger Green, and Emily and Zackery Elkind, along with the Unser children. To name a few of her favorites. She had a true passion for these little members of our society. Miss Joyce also volunteered at many local organizations including, Albany Memorial Hospital, Ronald McDonald House in Albany and Modern Maturity in Dover, Del., where she lived for the past three years. She was a member of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. Joyce is survived a son, Phillip Gallen of Dover, Del.; her daughters, Rachael Angelini of East Greenbush N.Y., and Michelle Golonka (Michael) of Delmar; a brother, Steven (Ethel) Silverstein of Israel; and three grandchildren, Matthew and Mason Golonka and Anthony Angelini. She has many nieces and nephews in Isreal. She was the lifetime companion of her beloved Raymond Tolar of Albany for more than 25 years. Joyce lived life to the fullest. She made all of her decisions with the best information she had at the time. She was a very independent loving person who adored new adventures and traveling. She traveled to many places in the world but her favorite by far was Europe. She was an avid photographer who enjoyed ice fishing, bowling, snow shoeing, reading, climbing Cadillac mountain in Maine and walking to help her stay fit and healthy. Joyce will be missed in the lives of the people who were fortunate to meet her. The family would like to thank the impressive and outstanding care given to her by the dozens of human angels at the Albany Medical Center. We would like to thank Dr. Susan Weaver, Dr. Joel Bartfield, and the staff on the oncology floor on 4 D. Sam Starratt, Laurie, Maria, Kerry, Georgia, Kelly, Coralyn, Molly, Ren, Njum, Jodi, Alex, Adam, Olive, Jaimie, Choila, Lynette, Sue, Dave etc. and all the hard work and passion you gave to mom on your team. She loved you all for your care and compassion. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road, Albany, New York, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville. In lieu of flowers, please send Memorial Contributions to New York Oncology Hematology, PC at the Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave. Mail Code 7 Albany NY 12208, in Honor of our beloved Joyce Gallen. To sign the online family guest book, please visit, www.levinememorialchapel.com. Funeral arrangements are by the Levine Memorial Chapel in Albany, New York.