Joyce Langdon Tyler

Joyce Tyler passed away peacefully Jan. 22, 2023, the day after the funeral for her husband of 69 years, Ed Tyler.

Joyce was adopted as a baby by Dorothy and Charles Langdon of Portland in 1933 and was an only child of loving parents. She is survived by her son, David (Sandy); daughters, Laura (Bill), Felicia (Bruce); six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Joyce graduated from Grant High School along with her great friends Vance Burnett and Mike Lundy. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority at the University of Oregon and made many lifelong friends. She graduated in 1954 with what she described as her “Mrs. Degree” as many women in her opinion attended the university in the hope of finding a suitable husband to marry, which she did, marrying Ed Tyler in 1953.

As Ed embarked on his career in education, Joyce did substitute teaching. Three children soon followed, and Joyce was a full-time mom while also keeping up appearances as the Superintendent/ Principal’s wife in a small town — gardening which she hated and entertaining which she loved. With the three children finally in school Joyce embarked on a very successful and award-winning career as an employment counselor with Snelling and Snelling Employment Agency, first in Eugene and then in Portland. Joyce then joined Paine Weber Brokerage as a stockbroker at a time when women stockbrokers were far from common. Together with Shari Nelson her Registered Assistant she built a large clientele, many of whom became lifelong friends as well. Joyce retired in 1998, transitioning her clients to Shari.

Joyce and Ed loved to travel, seeing the world with their friends Corky and Jerry Kirkpatrick. For many years following her retirement Joyce, along with Ed or other family members in tow, did financial lectures on cruise ship sea days. Throughout their lives Joyce and Ed loved to entertain, and they developed a wide circle of good friends. Joyce also believed in giving back and her postretirement volunteer activities included the Goose Hollow Family Shelter, Hospice, Washington Park Information Services, Oregon Convention Center Information Services, the Oregon Beer Festival, several years volunteering with the Salvation Army providing resources and support to the needy, and she loved mentoring young women starting their careers.

Joyce was a force of nature — curious, determined, plain-spoken, smart, optimistic, persistent and engaging. She taught her children and those she mentored to be independent, open-minded, and curious. She was the first to welcome and introduce newcomers, something so appreciated by them. Late in her life as her body was failing her, Joyce’s mind remained sharp. Her stated purpose in her later years was “taking care of my husband” through his struggle with Alzheimer’s, which she did until the end, passing away shortly after Ed.

Feel free to join us for a graveside celebration of life at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at River View Cemetery. It was Joyce’s wish not to have another reception as the reception for Ed was such a wonderful time to see friends. The gravesite is just down the hill from the parking lot by the cemetery office, at 300 S. Taylor’s Ferry Road. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.

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