Joyce A. Groft

Joyce A. Groft, 79, of Dover, entered into God’s eternal care on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Hanover Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Born on Thursday, June 13, 1946 in Hanover, she was the daughter of the late Charles W. and Irene M. (Bankert) Burns. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bernard M. Groft, who died in 2016; and four brothers, Alvin, William, John and Earl Burns. Joyce was a 1965 graduate of Eichelberger High School and was a nursing assistant for nearly 30 years having worked at Hanover Hospital, Homewood and for Visiting Angels. She was a member of St. Paul’s (Dubs) Union Church and a former member of the Hanover Republican Club, Hanover Loyal Order of Moose #227 and the Hanover Elks BPOE Lodge #763.

Survivors include two sons, Lenny J. Groft and his wife, Sandra Graybeal-Groft, of Havre de Grace, MD and Lonnie J. Groft of Hanover; three grandsons, Drew, Austin and Josh Groft; and among her numerous nieces and nephews, a special niece, Connie Kennedy.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., 311 Broadway in Hanover with The Rev. Jeffrey C. Reaver officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the York County SPCA, 3159 N. Susquehanna Trail, York, PA 17406 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.