1928 - July 14, 2015

Joyce Reeves Kressen, native Californian, long-time Pasadena area resident, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully July 14, 2015.

Joyce was born 1928 in Glendale, California. She grew up in Claremont, attended University of Colorado Boulder, and transferred to University of California Berkeley. At Cal Joyce was a member of the diving team, was active in her sorority, and earned her B.A. in Physical Education. After marrying David Penfield Kressen in 1950, Joyce and David moved to Houston, where they began teaching at St John's School. In 1958 David began working at Polytechnic School in Pasadena while Joyce raised a young family and worked at Poly as a substitute teacher. Joyce earned an A.A. degree from Pasadena City College and began her 20-year career as media specialist in the Monrovia Unified School District.

Joyce balanced her work with volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader, singing at Neighborhood Church, and planning many family camping adventures. After retirement Joyce increased her church volunteerism, and expanded her interests to include Ikebana classes at LA County Arboretum, photography, ocean and High Sierra sailing, and international travel. Joyce and David reveled in their excursions to Scotland, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, and across Canada.

In her later years, Joyce moved to Royal Oaks Manor in Bradbury, enjoying her new friendships, overseeing the library, and singing in the chorale. She also reconnected with loyal friends from her working years in Monrovia.

Predeceasing Joyce was husband David, son Stephen Kressen, and sister Barbara Morris. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Carolyn Butler and Steven Butler of Arkansas, son Parker and Carol Kressen of Maryland, and grandchildren Nathaniel, Alexandra, Kate, Meredith, Meagan, Matthew, Kathleen, Joseph, and Melissa Kressen, Taylor and Camden Butler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Joyce Kressen to: VITAS Hospice, 1343 N Grand Ave., Ste 100, Covina, CA 91724, Convalescent Aid Society, 3255 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107, Polytechnic School, 1030 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106.