Joyce B. Kistler of Edgartown, formerly West Boylston, died unexpectedly on March 25 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was 74.

She was born Sept. 6, 1934, in Worcester, the daughter of the late Viola and Glenn Bucknam, and lived more than 50 years in West Boylston, before moving to the Vineyard in 2006. She graduated from North High School in Worcester and the Worcester Junior College. In 1981 she graduated from Anna Maria College in Paxton. She worked for many years in the advertising field as an artist. She taught numerous classes in portrait drawing, pastel drawing, ceramics, calligraphy and Scandinavian and Chinese cooking. She donated many hours to various groups and clubs, but most notably the Tower Hill Arboretum and Library in Boylston.

She was an accomplished artist and her works were displayed at numerous museums and galleries across the state. She spent her free time sailing the New England coastline, attending classic boat rendezvous with her family on a family-restored 1913 Class P racing sloop, tending her well-known flower garden and traveling the world. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in West Boylston.

The family would like to thank everyone at both the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, especially the dialysis unit, and Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their outstanding care, patience and professionalism.

She was predeceased by her husband of more than 50 years, Walter J. Kistler, on Dec. 12, 2008. She is survived by three sons, Samuel A. Kistler and Nathaniel G. Kistler of Edgartown, and Eric W. Kistler of Worcester; and three grandchildren Jeffrey, Samuel and Ashley.

A graveside service is planned for Joyce and Walter Kistler on May 17 at the Mount Vernon Cemetery in West Boylston. Donations may be made in the Walter A. Kistler name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown MA 02472.

Arrangements are under the care of the Fay Brothers Funeral Home in West Boylston. To place an online condolence please visit Faybrothers.com.