Joyce Leone Drapeau, known to many as “Jazzy Joyce”, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Asheville, North Carolina, after a short battle with cancer. Joyce would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus and a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, playing Rummikub, and reading to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. The food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her children to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed.
Joyce was born on March 14, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan. She was a graduate of the University of North Alabama where she received her BS in Nursing. Joyce worked as a nurse and provided care to others through-out her profession for over 20 years and continued helping others even after retirement. Prior to beginning her career in nursing, Joyce was a devoted wife and mother and took immense pride in raising her six children. She was active in the Girl Scouts and many other organizations to support her children’s many interests.
Joyce’s talents were many, and she was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Jeannine Rising and her husband Chris; daughter, Diana Miller and her husband Mason; daughter, Denise Garner and her husband Greg; son, David Drapeau; son, Dale Drapeau, along with 8 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Flood; parents John Shannon, Amelia Renusch Shannon and Lila Johnson Shannon; and brother, Jack Shannon.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 17th, 2018 at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, NC at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.
The family will celebrate Joyce’s time here with friends on Saturday, August 18th, 2018 at 6:00 pm at The Cloister’s Club House – 2701 Abbey Circle Asheville, NC 28805.
