Extracted from The San Diego Union-Tribune (San Diego, CA)
Sunday, August 15, 2010

JOYCE STRASDING GRAWUNDER
1930 - 2010

Joyce Strasding Grawunder passed away peacefully on August 7, 2010 surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gretchen, Robin, and Johanna, sons-in-laws Rex, Tony, and Mark, and, her pride and joy, her three grandchildren, Erica, Amanda, and Christopher. She is also survived by her sisters, Bettye Strasding Corson and Doris Strasding Golden, her brother-in-law, Jack Golden, and many nieces.

Ralph M. Grawunder (husband of 59 years) preceded her in death on September 14, 2009. They were high school sweethearts at Reagan High School in Houston, Texas.

In high school, Joyce was an excellent student, cheerleader, member of the girls' rifle team, and a friend to everyone. She was awarded many honors, including Junior Favorite and Most Popular Senior Girl. She was chosen to be a sponsor (rank of Major) by the R.O.T.C members and officers. After high school, she was awarded Miss Photogenic in a citywide contest and won, among other awards, a trip to Cuba.

Joyce attended South Texas Junior College and then Columbia University while Ralph was obtaining his Doctorate degree. After Ralph completed his degree, they moved to San Diego where Ralph taught at San Diego State College (now SDSU) until his retirement in 1991.

Joyce was a very creative artist in several mediums: mostly oil painting, as well as yarn work and tapestry. While in San Diego, Joyce joined the DAR and served as secretary for many years. She loved to travel and organized many wonderful trips to Europe, Panama, and throughout the U.S. Cruises were her favorite!

Joyce always presented a cheerful face to the world, showed genuine interest in whatever was said to her, and could easily summon up liveliness, warmth, and curiosity. Her spirit was a very generous and nurturing one.

Her family members especially want to thank her kind neighbors and caregivers. Joyce appreciated them very much. Joyce will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.