Joyce H. Austin Saller

Joyce Helen Austin Saller, 83, of Hamden, CT passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in North Haven, CT on July 17, 1942, daughter of the late Floyd and Helen (Moran) Austin, sister of the late Claire Austin, mother of her beloved late daughter Jennifer. Joyce is survived by her son, Tim Saller of Milford, CT, his wife Tina, their children, Ryan (wife Taylor) and Riley, great-grandson, Walker; son, Mark Saller of Hamden, CT, his wife Melinda, and their children, Adam and Olivia.

Joyce was an avid sports fan. She never missed watching her sons play baseball and football or her grandchildren play soccer, softball, and lacrosse. It was impossible to sit next to her. She got so excited she would claw whoever was sitting next to her. Joyce was a diehard Red Sox fan, like her father. She watched every game and knew each player by name.

Joyce worked at Arden House for 25 years, showering her love and compassion for others.

An avid baker, she was affectionately known as BeeCee (Betty Crocker) to her four grandchildren. She loved to bake pies and cookies for every occasion.

Joyce also loved to dance. She took tap as a young girl. After her retirement from the Arden House, Joyce took up tap dance with her granddaughter, Olivia. Like everything, she poured her heart and soul into tap dancing. Joyce put on costumes and makeup and danced in recitals with a huge smile on her face.

In addition to sports, baking and dance, she was extremely passionate about gardening. Joyce took pride in her garden and it showed. She had a green thumb, making her yard picture perfect year after year.

Friends are invited to join her family on Friday, July 10th at 10:00 a.m. for a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in St. Rita’s Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by interment in All Saints Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. To send a condolence to her family, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.