Amelia L. (Poletti) Joyce, 79, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Rose (Forcucci) Poletti.

A 1965 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Amelia went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, a Master of Arts in American Studies, and a Master of Library Science, all from the University at Buffalo. Her lifelong passion for learning shaped a distinguished career in higher education. She served nearly 20 years as Library Director at Bryant & Stratton College in Buffalo, NY, while simultaneously working for almost 15 years as a Part-Time Librarian and Adjunct Professor of Art History at Niagara County Community College. Amelia also shared her expertise with the community by hosting Art History Seminars at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.

Amelia’s interests were as rich and vibrant as her personality. She loved the fine arts in all their forms: literature, art history, Italian opera, & painting. Her curiosity was expansive, and she delighted in researching a wide range of topics, especially the ancient world of Pompeii. She often attended classical music performances at the University at Buffalo's Center for the Arts, where she found deep joy in the beauty of live music. Her travels throughout Europe were among her most cherished experiences, each journey adding to her appreciation of culture, history, and the world's artistic treasures. She will be remembered for her quick wit, sharp mind, humor, and the way she made everyone around her laugh. Above all, her family was the center of her life, especially her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grandma Gozzie.”

Amelia is survived by her children: JoAnne (Robert) Touchette, Mary (Robert) Taylor, Dr. Bridget (Michael) Rippe, James “Jimmy” Joyce (fiancée Heather Fino), Jonathan (Dr. Anita) Joyce, and Joseph Joyce; her grandchildren: Aimee (Michael) Fortin, Salvatore (fiancée Emma Pollina) Augustino, Jacob Augustino, Robert Taylor, Billy Hartman, Alexia Hartman, Morgan Rippe, Katelin Rippe, Benjamin Joyce, Christian Joyce, Nathan Joyce, Essie Joyce, Clara Joyce, and Jocelyn Joyce; and her great‑grandchildren: Chloe, Luca, and Nico. She is also survived by her siblings, Rosemary (late Vito) Graziano and Michael Poletti, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, from 3–7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Amelia’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 12 at 10 AM at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara Falls High School Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund: https://www.nfeducationfoundation.org/team. For online condolences, please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.