Joyce E. Higgins

Joyce E. Higgins, 93, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 23, 2026. Born on April 11, 1933, in Kingston, New York, she was the beloved daughter of the late Henry and Sadie Dreiser.

Trained as a registered nurse, Joyce dedicated her early career to caring for others. She spent many years living in Saugerties, New York, where she married and raised a family and built a life rooted in faith and community. Throughout her life, Joyce remained deeply involved with her church, finding joy, fellowship, and comfort in her faith. Joyce was also very fond of animals and cherished the companionship of several pets throughout her life. She had a lifelong passion for dancing and always enjoyed the chance to jitterbug. In her final years, she relocated to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to be close to her family. While in Chambersburg, she particularly delighted in square dancing and spending precious time with friends and those she loved.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and her four siblings: Dawn Ferraro, Richard Dreiser, Henry Dreiser, and Virginia McDevitt, as well as 1 great-grandson Easton.

She is survived by her two loving children, Dr. Jonnie Kessler and Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor and his husband Robert Apgar; Joyce’s grandchildren Siobhan, Brittany, Chelsea, Ryan, and Kayla, as well as 11 cherished great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense light and happiness to her life.

A small graveside service will take place at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joyce's memory to the local SPCA.

Services have been entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com