C. Joy Harmount

C. Joy Harmount, 91, died peacefully on August 7, 2024 at Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center in Allentown, PA. Born 1932 in Cleveland, OH, Joy was the adored daughter of the late Lucille Gell, nee Morris, and Donald F. Gell. Joy attended Fenn College where she met William J. Harmount, the love of her life, whom she married in 1952. Bill accepted a position with AT&T, and Joy accompanied him through many moves throughout the eastern United States.

Joy was a kindhearted, generous soul and served as a volunteer most of her adult life, no matter where the family lived. She served as a Gray Lady at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Joy was active in Girl Scouts, serving in several districts, and was the leader of multiple troops. She boldly took her scouts on overnight camping trips, which most leaders shied away from.

Joy was employed at the Ark in Flemington, NJ, a wildlife art gallery, where she learned about framing and met many of the wildlife artists in person.

She returned to volunteering at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, NJ. Here she worked alongside local naturalists, who sparked her lifelong love of birdwatching. She then became an official counter for the Audubon Society’s annual bird migration survey.

Bill and Joy built their dream house on Hilton Head Island, SC, enjoying many years of the great outdoors and entertaining family. She found time to continue her volunteer activities, this time at the local maritime museum. Annual visits to Speculator, NY in the Adirondack Park contributed to family memories for nearly 50 years.

Joy is lovingly remembered by her daughter Nancy Levy and husband Dennis of Riegelsville, PA; daughter Karen Mills of Newburgh, NY; and daughter Laura Flanagan and husband Tim of Ellicottville, NY. She is also fondly remembered by her sister-in-law and best friend Mary Shelley of Cleveland, OH; cousins Rick Bradbury (wife Pam), John Gell (wife Donna) and Lynne Morris; grandchildren Amanda (husband Todd), Jeff (wife Kristen), Sarah, Mark, Megan and Ryan; great grandsons Andrew and Ryan; nieces/nephews Debbie, Paul, Kathy, Glenn; 3 grandnieces, 3 grandnephews; and many friends who are like family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to National Audubon Society (audubon.org/ways-to-give) or Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving). Arrangements by Falk Funeral Home, 1418 Main St., Hellertown, PA 18055 (falkfuneralhomes.com).