JOYCE ELAINE STANLEY

SALISBURY — Joyce Elaine Stanley, 85, died in her sleep at her home in Salisbury, Vt., May 1, 2026.

She was born Sept. 21, 1940, in Bridport, Vt. The daughter of Edward Charles Brileya and Alta Alberta Bishop, she grew up on her family’s farm in Addison, Vt., and attended school in Addison, graduating from Middlebury High School in 1958. Elaine attended the Fanny Allen School of Nursing, receiving Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate. She married Gale Fearon Stanley Dec.17, 1960, at the Chapel in the Woods on Norfolk Naval Station. They were married for over 60 years.

Gale and Elaine had three sons, Glenn, Steven and Gary; six grandchildren, Jarrod, Zachary, Robynn, Matthew, Sanjay and Brianna; and one great-grandson, Mason.

Elaine worked as a nurse in nursing homes in the many communities in Addison County and as a nurse for Dr Collier in Middlebury. Later in life she became a master gardener, working at Filion’s Greenhouse in Salisbury and Cole’s Flowers in Middlebury.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Gale; her father and mother; her brothers, Ronald, Richard and David; and her sisters Carolyn and Marilyn. She is survived by her sister Ramona, her sons, her grandchildren, a great grandson, and many nieces and nephews as well as cousins and her many dear friends. She was a believer in our savior Jesus Christ and was a member of the Christian faith and had received Christ as her savior many years ago, raising her sons in the faith.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our dear mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt and cousin. She was our family’s matriarch.

There will be a graveside service at noon at the Lakeview Cemetery in Shoreham, Vt., May 21, followed by a celebration of life at 1 p.m. at the VFW at 530 Exchange St, Middlebury, VT.◊