Joyce B Cookman

Monson-Joyce (Boudreau) Cookman 95, passed away February 14, 2026 holding hands with her twin sister Joan. She was born on October 23rd, 1930 in Hartford, CT to the late Edmund and Irene (Papineau) Boudreau.

Joyce is survived by her siblings; her twin sister Joan Genholt, Lillian Carpenter, her husband Harold; who all live in Monson, as well as Donald Boudreau and his wife Carol of South Carolina. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews; Frances, Brandy, Christopher, Jonathan, Matthew, Jennifer, Paul, Kathy, Joyce, Daniel, Robin, Carol, and Lisa.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl “Cookie” Cookman Jr, and her sisters Patricia Loncto and Muriel Dewey.

Joyce worked for many years at Mass Mutual Life Insurance Co. In 1976, she moved to Knox, Maine with her parents and Husband Cookie where they designed and built a log cabin. She enjoyed many years with her family, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and making maple syrup. Joyce had many diverse interests; she was an amazing baker, dancer and seamstress and also an accomplished organist.

Joyce was a Sunday School teacher at the First Church of Monson. While living in Maine, she was active in the Grange and participated in several parades with her husband Cookie riding a bicycle built for two. In her later years, she found great joy performing and creating costumes for her senior dance company.

Joyce had a deep passion for animals and she had a deep love of the outdoors. She was a founding member of The Moon Mountain Mounties, participating on horseback in shows, parades, and more.

She had many adventures over the years, most notably hiking The Appalachian Trail in completion with her husband Cookie in the early seventies.

Joyce owned and ran Blue Willow Dog Obedience Training School with her sister Pat Loncto, Ann Boyer, and Anne Pelletier. She owned, trained, and showed many canine friends over the years. Her dogs were her constant companions, most notably Suzie, Kayla, Beau, Maggie, Abraham, Julie, Willie, and Storm (who was born during the 2011 tornado).

A deep heartfelt thanks to all the nurses and aids at Life Care Center of Wilbraham for their loving and compassionate care during her final days.

Joyce Cookman was a phenomenal woman with a brave, kind, loving, and adventurous spirit. Her legacy will continue through the stories and inspirations her family and friends share throughout this, and generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Joyce’s name to your local animal shelter. A celebration of life will be announced and is planned for Spring.