The Hudson River Museum mourns the loss of Joyce Greene, who passed peacefully at the age of 95 on December 25, 2022, in Santa Barbara, California. Joyce was a dedicated supporter and ardent advocate for the Museum, serving as a Trustee as well as Chair in a long-term relationship that spanned the 1980s and 1990s. Her commitment and generosity resulted in the creation of the Museum’s Joyce Greene Education Center in 1997, where hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren and families have learned about art, science, and history in hands-on workshops.

“Joyce Greene contributed to every single aspect of the Hudson River Museum: from the Planetarium, to Glenview, to exhibitions. More than anywhere else, her enduring legacy can be felt most profoundly in her support of education,” says Director & CEO Masha Turchinsky. “Joyce was deeply committed to serving all members of our community and facilitating the continued growth of children of all ages. We are honored to have her name live on, enriching learners and helping all to explore the arts, science, and history.”

Joyce Green was born in 1927 in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from Cornell in 1949 with a degree in biochemistry, and she would become a lifelong supporter of community organizations. She lived for more than 20 years in Scarsdale, New York, then many years in Chappaqua, New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Ludlow, Vermont, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A true jetsetter, Joyce was a licensed airline pilot who, in 1969, set a 2,500-mile transcontinental endurance air record with a light plane. She truly conquered land, air, and sea—an avid sailor, Greene was the first woman commodore of the Beach Point Yacht Club in Mamaroneck. Even at age 85, Joyce was still going on grand adventures, taking a trip around the globe with Semester at Sea.

“Joyce was a central figure at the Hudson River Museum for more than 20 years. She joined the board in 1982, served as Chair beginning in 1985, and championed the Museum over the course of two decades.” said Tom D’Auria, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Joyce was a strong believer in the power of education and always felt this objective was the Museum’s first priority. She supported the work of outreach and education throughout Westchester County. For Joyce’s long-standing leadership, the Board unanimously voted to name the Museum’s education wing as The Joyce Greene Education Center. She was generous, patient, and always looked for ways to help.”

“Joyce Greene was a steadfast voice of enthusiasm for everything HRM. Her longstanding commitment to Yonkers and communities beyond, to arts education, and to the future of our Museum are integral to what makes the HRM so vibrant today. Often wearing her signature Green(e), Joyce was truly a force!” added HRM Trustee Hope Davis.

We are so indebted to Joyce Greene for her dedication to the Hudson River Museum and our community. Joyce is survived by her four children, Jeff Meller, William Meller (Amanda), Gary Meller (Maureen), and Amy Meller, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and eight stepchildren.

We are grateful to the Greene family who is welcoming donations to the Hudson River Museum in Joyce’s honor. Donations can be made here.