90 Years Young, 63 Years on the Job: Joyce Carney Isn’t Slowing Down
They say that everyone needs a wise and trusted friend who will be completely honest with you and tell you how it is. For the residents at Harmony at Harts Run in Glenshaw, PA, that friend is Joyce Carney.
Crowned “the mayor of Harmony at Harts Run” by her friends, Joyce joined me for a candid conversation on a Friday – her only day off from her full-time job at St. Ursula’s Parish – and two days before her 90th birthday. I wanted to know the secret to having a vibrant life at 90 years old, and Joyce did not hesitate.
“I speak my mind and keep them on their toes,” she winked.
And just like that, we were off – laughing, nodding, and trying to keep up with her quick wit.
Retirement? Joyce Never Heard of It
For 63 years, Joyce has worked at St. Ursula’s Church in Hampton, PA and has no plans to retire anytime soon. She drives herself to work Monday through Thursday, 10 to 5. It keeps her going, she says and you believe it the minute you sit down with her. Over the years, she’s done just about everything at the church: secretary, business manager, festival organizer, cheerleading coach, decision-maker on lighting, flooring, landscaping – you name it. But the truth is, she’s the backbone of the parish.
“People come to me with all sorts of questions,” she said. “It’s exciting to hear some of them. One person asked me if I knew how old they were. How do I know? My initials are J.C., but I’m not who you think I am,” she cracked. In a snap, she led the caller through a logical course to finding the answer – just like that, just like Joyce.
Living Life in Harmony
When she walks into Harmony after a day at work, Joyce heads straight to the kitchen, where the chef already has her meal waiting dessert included.
“He knows I’m a sweetaholic and fixes me up with my goodies,” she said, not apologizing for it in the slightest.
And then comes what might be her favorite part of the day – connecting with the other residents. They fill her in on everything that’s happened around Harmony while she was at work, and, of course, ask for her take.
“They say, ‘We think it, but Joyce says it,’” she laughed. While she has never been one to hold back her words, she doesn’t use her voice to complain. If someone starts grumbling, she doesn’t let it slide.
“I say, ‘Look at the good! You don’t have to run the sweeper, your meals are made, and someone cleans your apartment. What more do you want?’” then ending with her trademark, “Hello?!”
Family Ties Matter Most
Before moving to Harmony five years ago, Joyce lived nearby in Allison Park with her late husband, Conrad “Art” Carney. Together they raised two children, Tina and Conrad II, and built a life full of family and community.
That same sense of community surrounded her as she celebrated her 90th birthday. Seventy family members and friends gathered, including her son and sister who flew in for the occasion.
Family is woven into everything Joyce does. She used to babysit her great-granddaughter on Fridays right at Harmony, and in the process, introduced her to the entire community.
“Everybody knew her,” Joyce said with a big smile. “They loved having her.”
Speaking of family, Joyce laughed, “My daughter is retiring this year after 40 years at her job. She said ‘This is one for the books. The daughter is retiring before the mother.’”
The Secret to Thriving at 90 Years Old
Joyce’s approach is simple: go with the flow, keep your sense of humor, and don’t let small things steal your joy.
“I don’t let little things bother me,” she said matter-of-factly. “Life is too short.”
That outlook is part of why she gets along with everyone. The atmosphere at Harmony, she says, is something special.
“It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round, and we have a lot of different ones here,” she teased. “Joking aside, everybody gets along. It’s a good place,” she said.
What Joyce values most about living at Harmony is the sense of connection. Residents share their stories, their struggles, and their wisdom. And in doing so, they help each other.
“You listen to what someone else went through and realize you are not alone,” she explained. “Helping each other. That’s what it’s all about.”
She also doesn’t hesitate to point out the perks.
“I haven’t touched a vacuum in five years,” she said, raising her eyebrows.
She loves that Harmony is bright, clean, and cheerful. And when it comes to the activities and events, she gives full credit where it’s due.
“Dana does a phenomenal job,” she said, referring to the Life Enrichment Director. “The decorations and the activities are out of this world. She is so talented and makes everything fun.”
So, what’s the real secret to 90 vibrant years?
Joyce didn’t miss a beat.
“Maybe because I’m Irish,” she laughed.
Then she added, more thoughtfully: a healthy lifestyle, staying busy, loving people, and keeping your mind active.
“You have to keep your mind going,” she said. “That’s the key.”
And her personal motto?
“Live every day like it’s my last.”
Spending time with Joyce, you realize something quickly: she doesn’t just say it, she lives it. Fully, honestly, and with a sense of humor that lifts everyone around her.
“It’s a great life,” she told me with a nod and a smile.
It certainly is.
