Joyce Drews was born on November 20, 1949, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to Grant and Olga Degn. She passed away peacefully at Valora of Orono on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 76.

As a child, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her siblings, whether it was late-night chats and backscratches or swimming in a nearby lake—they always had lots to laugh and talk about. Joyce graduated from Howard Lake High School and dedicated much of her career to the healthcare industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where her loving and compassionate nature touched the lives of countless residents. She had a special gift for making others feel cared for and valued.

Joyce faced her greatest challenge with remarkable courage when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1980s, at a time when most people did not survive the disease. The cancer returned several years later, but Joyce fought on. After twenty years of being cancer-free, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer a decade ago. Through it all, Joyce’s strength, and determination to be present for her children and grandchildren never wavered.

Joyce was the proud mother of seven children and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She found peace and happiness in nature, especially during her walks at Rebecca Park in Delano and while tending to her beautiful flower garden. She adored her beloved cat, Charlie, who brought her much comfort and companionship. Joyce was known for her kindness and generosity, and she had a remarkable way of remembering birthdays and anniversaries, always making others feel special and loved.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Olga and Grant Degn; her brothers Dennis, Jim, Curtis, Leon, Wayne and Terry Degn; her sister, Caroline Hartman; and brother-in-law John Peterson. She is survived by her children: Robert Drews, , Jon Drews and Laura McClendon, Christine and Michael Tanaka, Tom Drews, Jim Drews, Darrin and Amanda (Miller) Drews, and Jeff and Michelle (Hausladen) Drews; her grandchildren Zachary Drews, Dayton (Houston) Drews, Samantha (fiancé Zachary Wick), Caleb, Mackenzie, Caitlin, Jackson, Gavin, and Charlie Drews, and Sienna and Avery Tanaka; her great-grandchild, Bo Wick; her sister, Sharon Peterson, brother, Randy (Mary) Degn; sister-in-law Rita Degn; daughter-in-law Heather (Windsperger) Drews; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services were held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 11 AM. 

Visitation was from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe – St. Peter Campus, followed by a religious service. A luncheon followed at St. Maximilian Kolbe – St. Joseph’s.