Joyce Lataif, 88

LONGTIME EDUCATOR.

Joyce Marie Lataif, 88 of North Adams died on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Glens Falls Hospital. She was born in North Adams on February 12, 1935 a daughter of the late Louis & Mary Joseph (Arbeed) Lataif.

Joyce graduated with the class of 1952 from Drury High School and went onto North Adams State College where she earn her Bachelor’s degree in 1956 and a Master’s degree in Education in 1962. She also attended classes at Harvard University, Columbia and American International College.

Joyce married Water Scott Vogt in 1992. He predeceased her on March 9, 2020.

Joyce was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams and was an active volunteer at the St. Elizabeth Bazaar and other church functions. She enjoyed shopping and especially going on cruises with her late husband Walter. She was also an avid reader. Joyce had a breathtaking voice and was a member of St. Elizabeth Choir and a local carol singing group. She was a devoted volunteer at the Woman’s Exchange.

 She started working at the Williamstown Elementary School in 1956 as a third grade teacher. She also worked as a School Adjustment Counselor, School Psychologist and as Assistant Director of Head Start. She was elected Director of Guidance Counselor in 1966. was also the Director of Pupil Personnel Services and an Elementary Guidance Counselor before going back to the class room teaching third graders. In addition, she served on the Staff Evaluation Committee under the direction of John Madden. In 1968 she was the recipient of the Francis V. Grant Spruces Award.

Joyce was a dedicated teacher who loved her job and the children she taught. She had an excellent rapport with the children and had high expectations for the performance of each child. Joyce was highly respected by all her colleagues.

Joyce is survived by her sister Carolyn Mullen of North Adams, her nephew Brian Mullen and two grandnephews Jeffrey and James Mullen. She also leaves her step children Nancy Boguslawski, Bonnie Falzo and Walter Vogt Jr. She was predeceased by a stepson James Vogt.

“Intellect, the starlight of the brain” Joyce’s yearbook quote.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Joyce Lataif will be on Wednesday December 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Burial will follow in the family plot in Southview Cemetery. Church. Calling hours will be from 10-11 AM at the church. Donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Church through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home- CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.