STOCKTON – Joyce Harris Kotora, 54, died peacefully on Feb. 15, 2016, in the company of her family in Jupiter, FL. Joyce lived a wonderful life in Stockton with her beloved and devoted husband, Robert, on their beautiful property surrounded by her pets, Leo, Daisy, Sunshine, Puddy Cat, and many goats that she cared for so lovingly. Joyce graduated with an associate’s degree in animal science from SUNY Cobleskill and a BA degree in elementary education from the College of New Jersey. She loved children and was a teacher for 25 years with Sylvan Learning Centers and KinderCare Education. She was also Bob’s supportive partner in Paragon Pool Service, where she managed the accounting and billing for the business. Joyce began her career as a horse trainer, working with Thoroughbred and American Quarter horses in Millbrook, NY, and Aiken, SC. She was an excellent equestrian from an early age, and enjoyed competitive and leisurely riding and all aspects of training and caring for horses. Standing just 4′ 10′ tall, her commanding and masterful handling of these magnificent horses was a marvel and something to behold. The daughter of the late Frederick G. Harris and Marjorie Bork, Joyce was raised in Pennington, NJ, and graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School. Blessed with beauty and an adventurous spirit, she loved traveling and taking long rugged walks with her husband and friends with their dogs throughout Hunterdon County. She also enjoyed motorcycling around their property and taking long swims in their glorious saltwater pool. She had a light-up-the-room smile and a warm-your-heart laugh and gentle way about her. She was a gracious and comforting friend to so many. She will be missed by all who knew her. Joyce is survived by her loving family: husband, Robert Kotora; brother, Frederick G. Harris Jr. and his wife, Joan, of Pennington; brother, David S. Harris and his wife, Frances, and their children, Elaine, Caroline and Jack of Bronxville, NY; and mother-in-law, Marion Kotora of Stockton, NJ. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 5, 2016, at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 2220 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ, with the Rev. Rebecca Resch officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, PO Box 159, Madison, NJ 07940 or online at sthuberts.org.
