Joyce M. Greene
JOYCE M. GREENE, aged 95, died peacefully, on December 25th, 2022 in Santa Barbara, California. She lived for many years in Chappaqua, NY, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and Ludlow, VT. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1927 to parents Jack and Minnie Teck. Her mother died when she was nine. With her stepmother Sue, the family moved around during the Depression following her father’s work building Post Offices. When she was in High School they settled in Dryden, NY where Joyce was valedictorian of her senior class. She graduated from Cornell in 1948 where she majored in the nascent field of biochemistry. That same year she married Herbert Meller. She leaves four children, Jeff Meller, William Meller (Amanda) of Santa Barbara, Gary Meller (Maureen) and Amy Meller. Subsequently she married Leonard Greene in 1967 gaining eight stepchildren.
Joyce was a strong believer in the power of a good education. She was a constant reader as a child and always had a book with her. She supported many schools and many students. For 10 years she was a Trustee and Chairman of the Hudson River Museum supporting their work of outreach and education in Westchester County, NY. Her commitment resulted in the creation of The Joyce Greene Education center at the museum.
Always on the go; first on the slope, first in the race. Joyce was always the Captain of the Ship — whether the ship was her Rhodes 19 Follow Me, the sailboat Windshear or a Beechcraft King Air. She was a jet rated pilot, and helped set distance records in that aircraft. She was also the first woman commodore of the Beach Point Yacht Club in Mamaroneck, NY. She loved sailing, skiing, tennis and paddle tennis, and travel in any form. She continued skiing and sailing most of her life. At 85 she embarked on a voyage around the world with Semester at Sea, where she was a lifelong learner, and made friends with many college students, as well as Archbishop Tutu.
In her 80s, Joyce embraced the Santa Barbara climate and lifestyle. Her love for the water drew her frequently to the harbor, as well as long walks at Hendry’s beach, tide pooling with her grandchildren. Always active and eager to learn something new she joined the Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Club where she bowled for many years. She loved playing “friendly” Bridge nearby at the City center.
Joyce was called Moppy by all of her grandchildren. In her early 90s she moved to Vista del Monte where she made new friends, swam regularly and stayed sharp reading and playing bridge. For her 90th birthday, her children made a donation in her honor to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, where a wooden deck stands nestled amongst the oaks. It is called “Moppy’s Treehouse.”
Joyce had many friends and a large family. She was generous, and patient, and looked for ways to help. She found comfort in big adventures, and small kindnesses. Because of many of the experiences of her early life, she adopted a motto which she held firmly to. “Just move on.”