Ocala, Florida- Joyce Mae Eder Van Wickler (Joy) a “Golden Girl” from Ocala Florida, formally a long time resident of the hamlet of South Plymouth, New York, passed away Saturday, February, 22, 2014,  age of 80.

Joy, the daughter of the late Matthew and Caroline Eder, She had one sibling James (Jim) Eder. Joy attended and graduated from Jamaica High School. She was predeceased by her husband, Freeman Van Wickler. Joy enjoyed learning and valued education. She received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood from SUNY of New Paltz, a Master Degree in Education from Columbia University and a second Master Degree in Special Education from SUNY Binghamton.

Joy was a long time resident of New York City, Upstate New York and then Ocala, FL, where she lived since retiring from over 40 years as a special education teacher. Joy always wanted to be an educator since a young age and this became her lifelong quest. She will be remembered by many for her gentleness, genuine love and affection she brought to the classroom every day.  Joy is fondly remembered as “Mrs. Van” by many former students who were inspired by her high standards and kindness. Her passion for teaching did not end with retirement and continued with tutoring program at her local church.

A world traveler, Joy enjoyed learning and participating in different cultures and countries. Joy loved to spend time with family and friends going out to dinner, movies, the arts, and going to theater.  She loved to keep her home neat and tidy with a keen eye for decorating. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining her guests on her cherished Pfaltzgraff dishes.  Since moving to Florida, Joy joined many social clubs, such as gardening, book club, Red Hat Club, Renaissance Women and the Canine Club, where her loss will be felt greatly.  She supported many organizations from education, children’s causes as well as animals. She was a voracious reader and established a library at Ocala West United Methodist Church, dedicated to her brother, James Eder. The library is filled with books purchased or given through donations. A beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Joy touched their lives in a positive way and her impact was far reaching.

She is survived by her son, Matthew and his wife, Christal, and granddaughter, Caroline (Van Wickler) Lynch and her husband, Daniel, grandson,  Nicholas Van Wickler ,all from Columbia, SC, and granddaughter Christina (CJ) Van Wickler of Greenville, SC, and an aunt, Lorre Coleman and husband, John of Bradenton, Fl, and nephew, James A. Eder of New York  and many cousins. She was predeceased by her brother James Eder, in 2010.

Her final days were spent in the excellent and genuine care from the Legacy House Hospice in Ocala, Florida.

The memorial service is will be 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Ocala West United Methodist Church, 9330 SW 105th St, Ocala, FL. The burial will be at All Saints Cemetery, Great Neck, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in Joy’s name to the following organizations; The Legacy House (Hospice of Marion County) PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478, 352-291-5100, for their excellent care in her final days, Chenango SPCA 6160 County Rd 32, Norwich, NY 13815, or The James Eder Children’s Library at Ocala West United Methodist Church, 9330 SW 105th St, Ocala, FL. 34481 or ASPCA (800) 628-0028 or Humane Society (866) 720-2676 for her love of animals. Condolences and memories can be emailed to her family at matt@vanwickler.net or mailed to 113 Hunters Blind Dr. Columbia, SC 29212.