Joyce Gutches

Joyce Gutches, 87, a long-time resident of Wayne, NJ and recently Burlington, MA, died peacefully in her sleep on the 18th of April at Winchester Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winchester, MA.

Born June 8, 1931 in Paterson, NJ, Joyce grew up in New Jersey attending local schools and North Jersey training school for Nursing. She married Richard Gutches on July 25, 1951 and they lived together in Wayne, NJ for 65 years until he passed away in 2015.

As a small business owner of Joy’s Velvet Paws, Joyce had a rewarding career breeding, showing, and caring for exotic cats. One of her proudest moments was being featured in the book Cats and Their Women. She loved animals, socializing, playing Mahjong with friends and spending time with her family. She had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

Joyce is survived by her son James Gutches and his wife Dina of Mooresville, NC; her son Richard and his wife Deborah and their son, her grandson, Richard of Lionshead Lake, NJ; her brother Louis Gatti of Burlington, MA; her nephew David Gatti and his wife Candace of Winchester, MA and her grandniece and grandnephews who brought great joy to her in later years.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Animal Rescue League, 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116 www.arlboston.org.