Joyce Huntington Knights
Norwich, VT – Joyce Huntington Knights passed away peacefully at home on October 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends and supported by BAYADA Hospice. She was 96 years old and would have celebrated her 97th birthday on October 16.
Joyce was born in New Rochelle, New York, the daughter of Marjorie Church Huntington and James Kenneth Huntington. She was predeceased by her siblings, Barbara Huntington Megroz and James Kenneth Huntington Jr.
Raised in New Rochelle, Joyce spent summers at the family’s farm in Orford, New Hampshire. She graduated from Abbot Academy in 1947 and Colby Junior College in 1949.
On June 25, 1949, Joyce married Calvin Emery Knights in New Rochelle. They lived in Eastchester, New York, before moving in 1956 to Norwich, Vermont, Calvin’s hometown. They shared 74 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Joyce was the devoted matriarch of her family, keeping everyone connected. She remembered everyone’s birthday, hosting parties for family members and sending annual cards to all her dearest friends. She hosted family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations throughout the years.
A woman of deep faith, she was an active member of the Norwich Congregational Church.
Outdoor activities were a major part of family life, including skiing, hiking, swimming, water skiing, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Joyce taught skiing in the Ford Sayre ski program for many years and loved walking her dogs.
Joyce was a member of the Norwich Women’s Club for over 50 years. She volunteered at the Converse Free Library in Lyme and at Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover and Lebanon. Professionally, she worked for over 30 years as a fashion consultant and Upper New England area manager for Doncaster and CmcE/Najla.
Her creative pursuits included sewing, needlework, gardening, flower arranging, making preserves, jigsaw puzzles, reading, writing, and creating annual family photo albums.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Calvin, and granddaughter, Mackenzie Elizabeth Knights. She is survived by her four children: Calvin Roy Knights, Peter Kenneth Knights, Pamela Huntington Knights, and Kimberly Knights Randall. She leaves seven grandchildren: Cullen John Knights, Kristian Peter Knights, Jean-Luc Knights Matecat, Leah Elizabeth Randall, Jake Hunter Randall, Carly Anne Knights, Ashley Knights Cummings, and two great grandchildren Sebastian Peter and Elsa Catarina Knights.
Joyce was an inspiration to her family and to the many people whose lives she touched. Her family was her greatest joy, and the traditions and memories she created will continue to bring them together for generations.
In lieu of flowers, she suggested performing an unexpected act of kindness or donating to a favorite charity. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends in the coming year.
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