Obituary of Joyce (Hollenbeck) Schalk

Joyce (Hollenbeck) Schalk, 83, of Syracuse passed away Tuesday March 22, 2016 surrounded by her loving family in the home of her son and daughter-in-law. Born and raised in Syracuse, Joyce spent most of her years in "The Valley," a beloved location she treasured. Joyce was a self-proclaimed Domestic Engineer. Her passion was her home. She enjoyed antiquing, collecting, and refinishing furniture that she rescued from countless trash heaps, thrift stores, barn sales, and antique stores. The "RM Boutique" and "Sally's" were two of her favorite haunts. Leave it to Joyce to search through a shoe box of junk and find a diamond ring. She would, or course, dicker on the price. It was all part of the thrill of the hunt. An excellent pianist, Joyce was especially accomplished in playing Classical and Ragtime music. Anyone who happened to be walking by her house on a summer evening of open doors and windows would find themselves, much to their surprise, thrust into the world of her performance. A renowned cook and baker, she excelled at pleasing a hungry audience. She baked soufflés, rice puddings, and pies of every denomination, and made a mean pot roast. Most of all Joyce loved to surround herself with her family and loved ones – especially the babies. Joyce's slightly wicked sense of humor and audacity sustained all who knew her through good times and bad. She was predeceased by the love of her life and her best friend, her husband of 46 years, Robert P. Schalk, Sr. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Lisa Schalk (John Putnam) and her son, Robert P. Schalk (Nancy Collins), her 6 grandchildren, Kassindra (Mathew) Balduzzi, Jessica Collins, Zachery (Whitney) Schalk, Max, Ethan and Calder Putnam, 1 great grandson Mason Balduzzi, and her sister, Sharon Coon. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home located at 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse, NY 13219. Donations in her name to Hospice of CNY 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088; hospicecny.org. are gratefully appreciated. As Joyce would say, "Over and out."