Joyce Maria Talbut, 86, a woman whose heart was as open as her kitchen door, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026. Born on September 14, 1939, Joyce was a proud daughter of the 7th Ward, the youngest of six children born to the late Earl and Ann Harmon.

A lifelong resident of the area, Joyce attended Columbus School and Binghamton Central. She dedicated over 30 years of her life to Sears, where her warmth and wit earned her a community of lifelong friends who became like family.

She was predeceased by her cherished husband, Fred, whom she had been married to for 48 terrific years! How she loved her Freddie-Bird and the lives they created. She was also predeceased by her brothers Tom (Carol), Jack, and Earl, her sister Louise (Bob), daughter-in-law Sheryl, sister-in-law CeCe Martin and the dog Peaches.

Joyce was the matriarch of her family, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her sons and their families: Michael and Bridget; Vince and Sheryl (deceased); and Joe and Diane. Her legacy lives on through her six grandchildren—Joe (Tiffany), Conor (Kara), Pat (Gina), Vince (Marie), Gracie, and Jaclyn (Red) - and her seven beloved great-grandchildren, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her sister Anne and Ed (deceased) Bailey, her sister-in-law Wilma and Steve (deceased) Denman, as well as Shirley Harmon, and dear family friends Betty (deceased) and John Shantillo.

Joyce lived life with a vibrant spirit. Whether she was visiting the casino, taking trips to Vero Beach, or traveling to Albany to see her sister Anne, she made every moment count. She was an expert at the card table with "the gals" and a legendary cook whose meatballs were famous—both at her table and "to go." Her home was the site of epic Christmas celebrations and Sunday dinners, and she remained a faithful member of St. Patrick's Church.

To know Joyce was to know a host who never let you leave hungry and a woman who loved her family above all else.

Joyce has finally gained her butterfly wings. As her family says with a smile: Fred's vacation is officially over. Buckle up, Freddie Bird—she's on her way!

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in Joyce's memory to Mercy House of the Southern Tier – 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott NY 13760 or UHS Foundation – Mitchell Ave. Binghamton NY 13903

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 a.m. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at St. Patrick's Church, Friday from 9:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The Mass will be live streamed at www.sta-sp.org