GOUVERNEUR – Joy Kirker, 69, passed away Friday, November 20, 2009 at E.J. Noble Hospital, Gouverneur.

Joy was born October 2, 1940 in Rossie, the daughter of Lloyd and Jeneva Bigelow Van Ornum.

She worked for the Headstart program and many years for Gouverneur Neighborhood Center. Joy enjoyed quilting and gardening.

Joy married Samuel Kirker on August 5, 1964 in DeKalb Jct. Mr. Kirker, a retired employee of the St. Lawrence County Highway Department, passed away November 19, 2003.

Joy is survived by two daughters Laura and Scott Preston of North Carolina and Roseanne Kirker, two grandchildren, two sisters Jane and Richard Shepherd of Richville, Alberta and Vernon Bush of Mexico, three brothers Deuard Van Ornum of Rensselaer Falls, James Van Ornum of DeKalb, Albert Van Ornum of Oklahoma, several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, parents, two sons Charles and Samuel Kirker Jr., three brothers Donald, Lionel, and Wayne Van Ornum, four sisters Elberta, Carol, Fern, and Laura Van Ornum.

A graveside service will be at a later date with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.