In Memoriam: Joyce Osman

It is in sure and certain hope of the resurrection that we announce the death of Joyce Osman. Osman, 92, of Northumberland, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Nottingham Village, Northumberland.

Born in Sunbury on February 27, 1932, Joyce was the daughter of the late Harvey E. and Annabelle (Wynn) Dyer. On September 20, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, the late Donald R. Osman.

Following graduation from Sunbury High School in 1950, she went on to graduate from Harrisburg Polyclinic School of Nursing in 1953 and became a Registered Nurse. As an adult student, she attended Susquehanna University and graduated with an associate degree in social work.

She worked as a nurse at various hospitals while Don was in the U.S. Air Force. Through the years, Joyce worked as the nurse in the office of Dr. Robert C. Dix Jr. in Milton, in the Skilled Nursing Unit at Muncy Valley Hospital, and as the nurse historian, patient advocate, and substitute social worker at Muncy Valley Hospital.

Joyce was very active in her church, Zion, Turbotville. She was a biblical scholar and attended classes at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary as a lay student for many summers, where she later studied Greek in her 80s. She became an authorized Lay Worship Leader in the Upper Susquehanna Synod and presided and preached in many Lutheran churches in the area over the years. Joyce will be remembered fondly by those who heard her preach.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by one grandson, Colby Lucas Osman; and one brother, Dickson Dyer.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Karen Osman, of Bandera, Texas; a daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Joseph Panzitta, of Harding; a special niece who was like a daughter, Debra Carl and her husband, Ornan; four grandchildren, Bryson Osman and his wife Sherry, Matthew Panzitta, Andrew Panzitta and his wife Julia, and McKenna Osman and her fiancé Michael Lambert; four great-grandchildren, Kaydins Osman, and Ryker, Rayleigh and Ranger Lambert; multiple nieces and nephews; and extended family members, Kathy and Steve Whipple, and Blake and Brandy Whipple.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 7 at Zion Lutheran Church, 39 Paradise St., Turbotville, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Kenneth Elkin and Rev. Mindy Bartholomew officiating.

Private burial will be held in Northumberland Memorial Park, Stonington.

Contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 39 Paradise St., Turbotville, PA 17772.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com