Sarah M. Joyce-Grikis, 62, of New Britain, CT., died peacefully at home Saturday, November 5, 2016, after a 16 year hard fought battle against kidney cancer. Sarah was born in New Britain on August 14, 1954 to her loving parents, the late George P. and Mary (Doherty) Joyce. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas HS in New Britain and received her degree in early childhood education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. in 1976. Sarah began her teaching career in Derry, NH, but ultimately returned to her roots in New Britain where she taught pre-school children for several years. She eventually had several jobs and career moves in teaching, accounting and administrative positions where she worked for several different companies including the US Treasury Dept. in Hartford. Sarah worked for the last 26 years for Thomas J. Satalino, CPA as the office manager, where she pretty much ran the show right up to the last few weeks until her illness made it impossible to come into the office. She met many wonderful people along the path of life where she gave tirelessly of her time, volunteering at the Friendship Center in New Britain and enjoying many years of helping, baking and preparing foods for the Social Committee at First Church of Christ Congregational. Sarah’s proudest achievement was travelling to Thailand three times to help build two orphanages. Her recent passions also included traveling to numerous National Parks over the past several years. Sarah’s family and friends are especially going to miss her baking skills. Various treats, cakes, cookies and especially her famous chocolate cupcakes with secret filling and frosting were anxiously anticipated at holidays, birthdays and special occasions. Many have tried to duplicate this delicious confection and have failed. Does anyone have this recipe?

Sarah is survived by her husband of 36 years, John G. Grikis, and their three children, Emily Joyce-Dial (John) of West Haven, CT., Elizabeth Joyce-Grikis of Quincy, MA, and David Joyce-Grikis and partner Nicole Pelegrino of Meriden, CT. her sister Jude Satalino (Thomas), her sister Maura Rosa (Carmen) and her sister Catherine Joyce. In addition, she leaves her sister-in-law Theresa McAllister, brother-in-law Joseph Grikis (Lori) and sister-in-law Loretta Lovallo (Kirby). There are numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. In addition, her First Wednesday Women’s Group will never be the same.

A Celebration of Sarah’s life will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. at First Church of Christ Congregational, 830 Corbin Ave., Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT Thursday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friendship Service Center, 241 Arch Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Directions to funeral home – I-84 east or west – exit 37 (Fienemann Rd) right off exit – one mile down on right. To extend condolences to the Joyce-Grikis family or to share a memory of Sarah, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com.