Joyce C. Keller

Joyce C. Keller, 86, of Burke, VA passed away peacefully on August 23rd after a brief battle with COVID. Joyce was born on February 26, 1936 in Indonesia to C.O. and Tilly Cloesmeijer. During World War II when Joyce was a young child, she was interred in a Japanese Camp, along with her mother and younger brother, Leslie, while her father was away fighting on behalf of The Netherlands. Many years afterward, she and her late brother Leslie attended school and university in The Netherlands. As a young woman, Joyce came to the U.S., where her career included working for several organizations, including Mutual of Omaha and later for the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), where she served for 27 years and was its Chief Financial Officer. She was also active for many years as a member of the worldwide Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and served on its Board of Regents. Many years ago, Joyce proudly purchased her townhome in Springfield’s Cardinal Square community, where she developed lifelong friendships and served for 20+ years as Treasurer of Cardinal Square’s Homeowners Board. In retirement, Joyce continued traveling the globe with her love Gary Griesmyer (who sadly passed in 2014), and she began her consulting business, plus her extensive volunteer work with the Blood Drive and events to benefit veterans and military families at American Legion Post 176 (Springfield, VA), and with AARP helping seniors with tax returns. Joyce loved family and friends, her cats (all named for Roman Emperors), lifelong learning, art, music, dancing, travel, and football, especially the Washington Redskins. But those who knew her best realized her quiet passion for rescuing people and animals, which was clearly demonstrated by the life she lived, as well as the many charitable organizations she supported, including: American Legion Post 176, Disable American Veterans (DAV), Wounded Warriors, Animal Allies, and Tiger Haven. Joyce was petite but powerful with an optimistic outlook, a determined and resilient spirit, who worked hard and developed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She will be missed more than words can express.