Joy R. (Kantrowitz) Siskin
November 7, 1931 - January 26, 2022

JOY R. (KANTROWITZ) SISKIN: Formerly of Niskayuna, New York and Delray  Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 26, 2022, at Paramount Senior Living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, due to natural causes. She was 90.

Born on November 7, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, she and her family moved to Albany, NY in her youth. She met the love of her life, Seth J. Siskin, while getting her bachelor’s degree at Buffalo State College. They married after graduation and had three children. While caring for three small children, Joy went back to school and earned her master’s degree at SUNY-Albany.

Joy was a born teacher and loved innovation. She worked for Amana when they rolled out the microwave oven, teaching people how to use it to full effect. She demonstrated product launches like Jello 1-2-3 and worked for the Niskayuna School District as a substitute teacher.

She and Seth opened their home to Fresh Air Fund children during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, then hosted young adults and teachers from around the world through organizations including The Lion’s Club, the Japanese International Cultural Exchange (J.I.C.E) and A.F.S. For over 35 years, the Siskin home was a refuge for youth and adults alike. 

She poured love into every person who crossed her path, accepting people where they were and providing an experience of a loving American home. Joy was ready with a hug or to listen, and no one went away hungry. The dinner table was a communal gathering place to share a meal and good conversation with extended family.

She loved solving puzzles and reading books instilling her love of learning in her children. Libraries were important and she would bring home a dozen books every two weeks, then trading those out on her next visit. She loved staying in touch with family through Facebook, learning to use an iPad even as she was losing some cognitive abilities. She was always willing to change her perspective as she learned more about the people she loved and came to embrace our diversity.

She was happiest being with and talking with family and her extended family. She personified Love, and the Mother archetype and her presence will be missed.

Joy is predeceased by her loving husband, Seth J. Siskin, her parents, Isadore (Irving) and Annette Kantrowitz, her beloved brother, (Jules) Roy Kantrowitz, numerous cousins and best friends. Survivors include her children, Marc (Claire) Siskin, Paige (Linda) Siskin, Todd Siskin, international children, Patty (Burt) Bebien-Aronoff, Seehasak (A) Chantakool, sister-in-law Beverly Kantrowitz, and niece C.J (Marissa) Wiley, and great grandniece, Vera Wiley.