Joyce Grainger Obituary

Joyce Grainger

Joyce (McCreery) Krause Grainger, age 91, passed away in her home from complications of a stroke on January 31, 2021. She was born on March 28, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio, the only child of King and Irene E. (Stevens) McCreery, Jr. She was a lifelong asthmatic and had not been expected to live past the age of twelve. Except for a few years when she lived in Seattle, Washington, Joyce was a lifelong resident of the Toledo area.

During summers in high school and college, Joyce was a camp counselor and waterfront director at Camp Newaygo in Newaygo, Michigan. These experiences were among her fondest memories. After graduating from Scott High School, she attended Bowling Green State University and received a degree in Education. She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, as well as Swan Club (synchronized swimming), and kept in touch with her sorority sisters and Swan Club members throughout her life.

For her first job, Joyce moved to Seattle, Washington to teach High School physical education. While living in Seattle she met and married her first husband, Fred W. Krause. Choosing to live near family, they settled in Toledo where they had three daughters. After their divorce, Joyce took a position teaching Special Education with the Sylvania City School District. She then attained her Masters Degree in Education and taught Special Education at Whitmer High School in the Washington Local School District until her retirement.

After retiring, Joyce was active going to water aerobics several times a week, delivered meals for Mobile Meals of Toledo until age 90, volunteered at Crosby Gardens, and was involved in anything that caught her interest.

In 1981, she married Glen W. Grainger. They enjoyed 24 years together in their home on the Maumee River and Joyce continued to live there after his death. Every year Joyce looked forward to spending summers with family at a cottage on Little Traverse Lake in the Leelanau peninsula in northern Michigan.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents; and husband, Glen. Surviving her are her children, Amy (Steve) Danforth, Julie Achenbach, Sara (Greg) Smith; step-daughters, Claudia (Rich) Schroeder, and Diane (Paul) Hanslik; grandchildren, Justin (Shelly) Danforth, Lindsey Danforth (Kris Larsen), Kyler Achenbach, Kendra (Matt) Warner, Lucas Gross, and Alex Gross; step-grandchildren, Mattie (Zach) Scheuer, Tyler (Kerry) Smith, and Hudson Smith; and step great-grandchildren, Daniel, Maddie, and Lenny. She had many friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Joyce described herself as 'an uncomplicated woman with a quick sense of humor'.

The family wishes to thank Ohio Living Hospice and nurse Julie Lauer. They also wish to thank caregivers Roberta Perry, Anna Brown, and Jessica Sexton for their compassionate care. Services will be private due to COVID restrictions.

Tributes to Joyce may be made to: Camp Newaygo, 533 S. Centerline Rd. Newaygo, MI 49337 (campnewaygo.org); Leelanau Conservancy, 105 1st. St. Leland, MI 49654 (leelanauconservancy.org); Ohio Living Hospice, 1730 S. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43614 (Ohioliving.org): Mobile Meals of Toledo, 2200 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43604 (mobilemeals.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Grainger

9 Entries

Mary Dubbs

Planted Trees

Your friend, Betsy Hoobler

Planted Trees

Jill Berington Seving Cochran

February 13, 2021

Oh the good memories I have of Joyce and her children. I taught school with her in Toledo. She was my mentor. Just out of college I was the lucky one to teach with her. What an inspiration. She developed a program to teach the kids to sell pumpkin bread making it from scratch, advertising and selling it. The money collected was used to take our classes to a show and dinner in Detroit. What fun we had. Everyday was full of smiles and laughter. She loved teaching and was one of the best I have ever worked with. A great friend too. Her girls were her life. Going through their teenage years was an experience that we talked many many hours about but she was so proud of her family. She made a difference in this world with everyone she touched including me! She is a part of my heart never to be forgotten. Love to all. Jill

Jesup W. Scott High School Aulmni Association

February 10, 2021

Our thoughts are with you during your time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. "Once Bulldog, always a Bulldog"

Georgi Krause Sensing

February 9, 2021

I was so sorry to learn of Aunt Joyce's passing. My heart goes out to all of the family. We loved her and know how very much she will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Amy, Julie and Sara - much love, Georgi and Troy Sensing

Allen Schwisow

February 8, 2021

Our deepest condolences to your family. Joyce was a inspiration for older adults striving for health and wellness. She was joy to see in the office as she was always enthusiastic about life. It was a privilege to take care of her for many years. Our prayers are with you. Dr. & Mrs. Allen Schwisow

Barbara Crowner

February 7, 2021

I’m sorry I didn’t know that Joyce lived in Toledo. She wouldn’t remember me, but I was a camper at Camp Newaygo for six years when Joyce, or “Jimmie” as we knew her, was a counselor. We had something in common, being from Toledo and I remember her as being a very nice person, full of fun and one to look up to, since I started there when I was 9. I am very sorry for your loss.

Mary Dubbs

February 6, 2021

I enjoyed all the years I was Joyce's Mobile Meals partner. If we ever had trouble finding a new address, Joyce would say, "We're having an adventure."

Karen Roderick-Lingeman

February 6, 2021

Amy, Julie & Sara,
As one of the Trilby neighborhood kids, it was so nice to reconnect with Joyce in water aerobic classes. She was a lovely lady!
All my deepest sympathy.
Karen

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results