PORT ALLEGANY — Joyce R. Sunderland, 75, of Turtlepoint passed away unexpectedly though peacefully at her home Tuesday (July 22, 2025).

Joyce was born Oct. 11, 1949, in Danville, a daughter of Wilber Dale and Gladys E. Thompson Chittester. On June 15, 1974, in Clearfield, she married James L. Sunderland.

She spent her childhood years in Falls Creek, and was a 1967 graduate of DuBois Area High School. In May 1971, she graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in education concentrating in foreign languages. Mrs. Sunderland was employed as a foreign language teacher (French) at Clearfield Area High School until 1976. She was a foreign language teacher (French and Spanish) at Coudersport Area High School until her retirement in 2011. She was an instructor for Performance Learning System (PLS) continuing education courses through Gannon University.  She continued her education throughout her teaching career and was a very dedicated professional.

Throughout her life, Joyce traveled frequently with her husband. She enjoyed boating and fishing, and was a talented quilter. Joyce attended Evangelical Covenant Church of Port Allegany. She loved being a member of the Port Allegany pickleball group and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was a member of the Annin Creek Cemetery Board. Joyce was loved by everyone she knew and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by one son, Jesse Sunderland of  Franklin, N.J.; two daughters; Janine (Eric) Sauers of Turtlepoint and Julie (Dominic) Petruzzi of Coudersport; two grandchildren, Syrus and Willow Sauers; one sister, Susan Behrent of Spencerport, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away April 14, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of  life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday (July 31, 2025) at Evangelical Covenant Church with the Rev. J.T. Madison, pastor, officiating. A luncheon will be held at church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Port Allegany Area Recreation Authority (PAARA) at 54 W. Maple St., Port Allegany, PA 16743; or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.