Joyce A. Kautz – (79) – of 6003 Bonny Hill Rd., Bath, died Thursday (February 16, 2023) at her home.

Born in Jersey City, NJ on January 26, 1944, she was the daughter of Kenneth & Ann (Bobownik) Downey.

Joyce grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962).  She had been employed for a time as a Nurse’s Aide at the former St. James Mercy Hospital and has resided in the Bath, NY area since 1972.

She enjoyed knitting and making beautiful sweaters for family & friends.  She also loved watching the “soaps” on TV — especially “The Young & The Restless” and was passionate about wildlife photography.  Joyce also had a deep love of family and always looked forward to visiting the Bobownik & Downey families.

Joyce had a deep affection for animals and was especially fond of her pet yorkie, “Toby” and feline companion, “Peek-A-Boo.”

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Adam Kautz who died in 1998 and her sister, Elizabeth Stevenson who died in 1999.

Surviving are her “significant other”, David Bacon with whom she resided; her daughter, Maryanne (Joe) Sears of Midland, NC; 3 sisters, Judy (Mike) Crook of Canisteo, Kathy (Al Reynolds) Chiarelli of Hornell and Susie Cook of Painted Post, NY; her brother, Ken (Lisa Postilli) Downey of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Alexandria “Alex” (Matt) Goins, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Coulter, Adam Sears & Mya Sears; 1 great-grandson, Cameron “Cam” Underwood; several nieces & nephews.

At Joyce’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Joyce’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com