Joyce Lynn Rapelje
Joyce Rapelje Obituary
On Monday June 3, 2024, Joyce Lynn Rapelje, loving wife and mother of one child and one very special grandson, passed away at the age of 81. Like a ray of new hope, Joyce was born on the first day of spring March 21, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to Glen and Dorthy Bradt. She graduated from East Detroit High in 1961 and worked various secretarial positions, then as Executive Secretary for the Vice Chairman of Comerica Bank for over 25 years. On July 20, 1968 she married James Ackerman Rapelje. They raised one son, Chip, and one dog, Precious in East Detroit, then lived in a variety of places in metro Detroit, then Dallas, Texas at the end of her Comerica career.
Joyce, true to her name was a person who brought joy and inspired the best in those who she lived her life with, at both home and her work. She loved to adventure on Lakes St. Clair and Huron with her husband Jim on their sailboat the BenJammin, but was also content to tend to her garden and settle in for daily naps and book reading or even monitoring freighter traffic on the Great Lakes. Joyce also had a passion for her grandson Benjamin and was partial to causes and organizations dedicated to the advancement and support of those born with disabilities, especially Down syndrome. Joyce was known for her razor sharp mind and her ability to effectively manage individuals and the daily challenges of life, mostly without even breaking a sweat.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father Glen and her mother, Dorothy. She is survived by her husband Jim, her son Chip and his wife Judith, her brother Glen and several nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at the Great Lakes Yacht Club [23900 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080] from 2 to 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, any donations may be sent in Joyce's memory to one of the following charitable organizations:
GiGi's Playhouse - Changing lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.
Dutton Farm - Empowering and supporting adults with disabilities to live a life of purpose, inclusion and dignity through dignified inclusion in our schools, workplaces, government, communities, churches and beyond.
Special Olympics Michigan- provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
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In Loving Memory Of
Joyce Rapelje
March 21, 1943-June 3, 2024
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