Joyce Brenholts Weidenkopf

1934 - 2024

Joyce Brenholts Weidenkopf

September 5, 1934 - November 6, 2024

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Joyce Brenholts Weidenkopf, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, philanthropist, and extraordinary woman, passed away peacefully at her home on Hilton Head Island, SC, November 6, 2024, at the age of 90. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Cleveland, Joyce lived a life full of adventure, purpose, and love that touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.

Joyce graduated from Laurel School and attended The University of Michigan before marrying David W. Weidenkopf, Captain in the U.S. Navy. She was a loving wife to David, a proud mother to Tom and Susan and a devoted grandmother (lovingly called Ama), to Claire, Jack, and Sam. Joyce's love of family was matched only by her devotion to her faith, friends and an overall love of life.

She was passionate at tennis, golf, bridge and the arts. Her volunteer contributions are many, enriching the community through her love of church, social clubs and notably as a member of The Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Board member of The Cleveland Artists Foundation, and The Lakewood Historical Society.

She supported numerous causes, including the Volunteers In Medicine, Hilton Head Arts, The American Cancer Society, Laurel School, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Joyce was affectionately known as "the gatherer" for her gift of bringing people together. She was a member of several clubs and organizations, including The Hermit Club, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Lkwd., OH, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, HHI, SC, Clifton Beach and Westwood Country Club.

Joyce an interior designer by profession, traveled extensively with David around the world, retiring to The Cypress in Hilton Head Island where she made life long friends and lived each day to its fullest. When she became a widow, Joyce was fortunate enough to find a second love with William Rupp, a fellow resident of the Cypress. Together they had fun continuing to travel, share in their love of sports and enjoyed mutual friends.

Joyce is survived by her son, Thomas W. Weidenkopf (Mary) and daughter, Susan Joyce Weidenkopf Livingston, her three grandchildren, Claire M. Livingston, Jackson W. Weidenkopf, and Sam Weidenkopf, and a community of friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Captain David W. Weidenkopf, USNR.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Hilton Head on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Cypress, 20 Ladyslipper Lane, Hilton Head, SC, officiated by the Reverend Greg Kronz and later at a small gathering in Cleveland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to the following organization: The Cleveland Museum of Art or Volunteers In Medicine, HHI, SC.

Joyce's legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.