Joyce Scherrer

11/29/1919 – 05/20/2013
Joyce Constance Scherrer passed away at age 93 peacefully at home in Bellingham on Monday, May 20th, 2013. She is preceded in death by her husband Edward. Joyce Constance Kearsley was born on November 29th 1919 to a British colonial family in Suva, the Fiji Islands, where her father worked as a radio operator for the Colonial Service. Her parents were William and Constance Kearsley. She was the third in a family of six children. In 1942 she met her future husband, American Army Captain Edward “Pony” Scherrer, who was stationed in Suva to serve in the Pacific War and they were married in Auckland, NZ. Joyce immigrated to the US by way of a hospital ship accompanying her husband who had been wounded in combat.
Joyce and Pony lived an adventurous life traveling throughout the world on military diplomat service. Their sons, Ted and David, were both born in Germany in 1950 and 51. The family was stationed in Germany, Pennsylvania, Japan, Texas, Cambodia, Virginia and Turkey. While in Cambodia Joyce and Pony became close friends with Prince Sihanouk, who was then Head of State.
Joyce was an amazing mother who took on the rigors of a Commanding Officer’s wife while devoting herself to her family. She encouraged her children to explore the various cultures they found themselves in. Her generosity, genuine concern for others, and sharp wit will always be remembered. She spent what spare time she had as a volunteer for the American Red Cross with great pride.
After their final tour of duty in Turkey, where General Scherrer was in charge of military assistance, they retired to Hilton Head Island, SC. There they enjoyed a Low Country life of golf, horsemanship, and fellow military retirees.
In 1994 they moved to Bellingham to be near their sons (both WWU grads) and grandchildren. Joyce loved Bellingham, claiming it to be her favorite place of all! Here in Bellingham she was a member of the Daughters of the British Empire and was also an avid bridge player well into her 90s. She also loved a good game of scrabble, afternoon tea, and crossword puzzles.
Grandma Joyce mostly enjoyed being surrounded by her grandchildren, especially at her beloved little summer cottage on Lummi Island.
She is survived by her son Ted and wife Laurie, son David and Susan, four grandchildren: Benjamin, Peter, Katy, and Emily, great grandson Theodore, sister Elima of Cortland, NY, brother Peter of Auckland, NZ and many nieces and nephews throughout the world.
The family extends a very special thanks to Joyce’s wonderful caregivers and Hospice nurses.
There will be a private graveside service. A memorial service will be held at a later date.