Obituary of Joyce Taylor von Drehle

Joyce Taylor von Drehle met her death from stomach cancer with the same pragmatism she approached black ski runs: point downhill and go for it! She had but 8 days from diagnosis to death; days filled with the love and support of her family which she used to ensure that her affairs were left in good order. With characteristic aplomb, when asked what she felt about an after-life she said, "I don't know. I guess I'm about to find out." Joyce hailed originally from St Louis. In high school she delighted in the ease with which she got good grades which allowed her time over to travel with the 'fast set', and then while a Liberal Arts major at Washington University she met Ramon Von Drehle who was to be her husband for 25 years. It was a fruitful liaison though due to end in divorce. During the gilded years of the 1960's Joyce and Ray prospered, with Joyce making a good fist of being a model home maker as she gave birth to three children. Also during this period Joyce became a health food freak, well ahead of her time! When the young family was transferred to England, Joyce embraced London theatre, playing tennis and going antiquing in her spare time. Also during this time she acquired an enduring passion for drinking tea with milk, English-style. After 12 years as an ex-pat, Joyce chose to return to Michigan a single person. With her children grown and fledged she embarked on a very active life that included skiing in the winter months and sailing in the summer months - with a bit of sky diving and white water rafting during the seasonal changeovers. Eventually she took a day job at Black and Decker as well as venturing into being a landlord in order to provide a pension. During this time she became a member of the Pontiac Yacht Club, an association which endured until her death. She was a keen competitor who picked her skippers carefully, preferring to be on the winning team whenever possible, and she made many dear friends. Joyce loved the Club, serving many years on the Board, and it is here that she asked her ashes to be scattered. Also during this period she became part of the group of friends which Joyce always referred to as 'The Ladies'. This group of women remained her stalwart companions over many decades. She exercised at the Birmingham 'Y' with them, traversed the paths of Cranbrook with them, and split cinnamon rolls with them. They accepted her for the occasionally prickly character she could be and provided her with friendship, and caring support when it was finally called for. Throughout her life she was a loving mother. Although she may have entertained different expectations at one time or another, ultimately she felt her job as a mother was her singular achievement. Her family - children Carin, Lisa and Courtney; their partners Paul, Borko and Kazue; and Skyler, Joyce's English granddaughter - all agree! Blue skies and a gentle breeze, dear, dear Mom.