San Clemente just lost a shiny star! The light that was Joyce Dowd Dalrymple-Ogle, left us on 8/17/19. Joyce had a zest for life and lived life to the fullest. A lovely, regal lady & true friend. She loved the color purple she wore daily along with a flower in her hair, for that extra bit of sunshine.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, on 2/8/25, to Edna and Dowd Dalrymple. She attended Albion College, MI. She graduated in 1947 with a BA in Psychology and Sociology. She played basketball in college and after graduating became a social worker in Detroit. Joyce moved to California in 1955 and went on to receive a Master of Arts in Education from US International University, San Diego, 1984. Joyce taught kindergarten through grade 3 children of all ages in Lincoln Park, MI, as well the Covina and Huntington Beach school systems.
Joyce’s true love was her husband Leighton (Leigh) Ogle, who passed before her in 2002. His children became her children. She’s survived by 4 stepchildren; Daniel, David, Sherrie and Paul; along with 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Joyce was active in numerous women’s groups such as PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and was a proud, long-time member of the San Clemente AAUW (American Association of University Women) serving for over 20 years as the Chairperson of their scholarship committee. She served as an important liaison with Saddleback College while organizing the annual scholarship drive and selection of recipients.
A voracious reader and an avid conversationalist, traveling was one of her passions. Always curious about other cultures and different countries, she loved asking people she met about their families and lives, making friendships worldwide.
Joyce was well versed and current on all social issues and a fighter for women’s rights. She never left as a stranger; and made a point to converse with and get to know everyone in her path. Her motto “live, laugh, learn” or “live, laugh, love”, was her life mantra.
Joyce was an avid supporter of Los Angeles and Orange County Theater and was a season ticket holder for the LA Music Center and the Laguna Playhouse. She loved to go to the Ahmanson, even attending in the last month of her life.
Joyce loved her Church, Prayer Meetings, Book & Movie Clubs where she always shared a witty joke so many enjoyed.
How many stars are in the sky? Countless! That’s how many friends and acquaintances Joyce had. She touched so many and will be missed by all. Her brightness will carry on in all of the lives she touched. She was a good friend, she made you feel special. Joyce never called people close friends: they were “Sisters & Daughters of the Heart”.
Everyone in San Clemente knew Joyce? If you want to share in Joyce’s vision of the “live laugh learn” motto, please wear purple on September 7th when we celebrate her life. She will be remembered for so much, but especially for her joyful and happy spirit.
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