Joyce Helen Stonely

Joyce Helen Stonely of Rock Hall, MD, died Thursday, March 2, 2013, from Huntington’s disease. Joyce Stonely was born March 3, 1947 in Waymart, PA. She was the daughter of the late Frank William Zielazienski and Helen Rose “Nosek” Zielazienski. Mrs. Stonely was a graduate of Waymart High School in 1964. She attended Lock Haven University of PA, latter transferring to the Washington Education Center where she completed the program with high honors. She was working for IBM as a programmer when she met her future husband David Stonely, after which she took a position with Honeywell Bull in 1979. In 1980, she married Mr. Stonely in Owings Mills, MD, where she continued to work as well a volunteer at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert programs for children. Mrs. Stonely excelled in sales efforts and project management and rose to the position of Technical Supervisor supporting systems integration services to state governments. She retired in 1989 and moved to Rock Hall, MD where she was an active member of the community serving on the Rock Hall Yacht Club Board of Directors and volunteered at the Mainstay performing arts center and the Rock Hall Library. She was a member of the Chester River Yacht and Country Club, Women’s League of Washington College, Capital Area Austin-Healey Club, Austin-Healey Sports and Touring Club and the Oarsman Society of the Capt. John Smith 400 Project. She loved reading, gardening, listening to music and began cooking at the age of 12. She shared a passion with her husband for Austin Healeys and together they competed in historic car rallies including the 2001 London Lisbon Classic Rally and the Open Roads 2002 50th Anniversary Encounter. They traveled extensively, notably completing the New Zealand Milford Trek three times. Mrs. Stonely delighted in gathering her family and friends at her home to share a meal. She had an easy-going, fun-loving spirit, was a devoted friend, loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She had a beautiful smile. Mrs. Stonely is survived by her daughter, Karen Stonely, son-in-law Peter Pelsinski, and one grandson, Lucien Stonely Pelsinski of New York, NY; a sister, Annette Humphreys of Medford, NJ,; and a brother, Frank Zielazienski of Buford, GA. A memorial service will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the “David and Joyce Stonely Memorial Fund” c/o PNC Bank, 803 Washington Ave, Chestertown, MD 21620 to sustain neurological research.

Joyce Helen Stonely

March 3, 1947 - March 2, 2013