Joyce Rabourn
1928 – 2024
Resident of San Jose
Joyce Dee (Taylor) Rabourn, a passionate educator and world traveler, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024. Born in Seattle, WA on June 20, 1928, Joyce graduated from Clover Park High School in Lakewood, WA, earned her degree in English at the University of Washington, and went on to complete a graduate degree in Education at Pacific Lutheran University.
Joyce’s love of learning extended far beyond the classroom. She was a lifelong adventurer, with a deep appreciation for different cultures and a thirst for unguided exploration. “The less you spend, the more you see” was her principle as she drove, bused, camped, and canoed through Mexico and Central America on various trips in the 1970s – 90s. She traveled solo through Communist Eastern Europe in the 1960s. When her first child, Lise, was a young girl, Joyce took Lise on tent camping trips to Yosemite and Brighton Beach. Then, in celebration of Joyce’s marriage to her second husband, Joyce and Lise spent 3 weeks rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Later her in her life Joyce visited Russia, China, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Botswana, and many other countries on trips with family and friends.
Joyce’s career as a high school English teacher spanned decades, beginning as a teacher at Clover Park HS, before the bulk of her career at John F. Kennedy HS in Fremont, CA, with a stint at South Lake Tahoe HS in California.
While living in San Jose, CA, Joyce was actively involved in numerous civic and non-profit organizations, working tirelessly to make a positive impact on her community. She held leadership positions in California Federation of Republican Women, the California Republican Party, and Republican National Committee. She was an influential member of the Santa Clara County Senior Citizens Commission from 2010 through 2016.
Joyce was predeceased by her first husband, Ralph Holmstad, and her second husband, Frank Dee Rabourn. She is survived by her two children — Lise (Holmstad) Wool and Jess Rabourn; three grandchildren — Donald Lee Lucas III, Madeline Lucas, and Cole Lucas; five stepchildren — Karin (Rabourn) Moscato, Mike Rabourn, Frank Rabourn, Dianne Rabourn, and Tina (Rabourn) Serfozo; and, by her stepchildren, 8 additional grandchildren — Sean Rabourn, Caroline Rabourn, Brett Serfozo, Bryan Serfozo, Wayne Kearns, Michael Kearns, Doug Kearns, and Ethan Kearns. Joyce is also survived by her younger sister — Gail (Taylor) Pederson.
Joyce was known for her sharp intellect and engaging personality. Her legacy lives in the hearts and minds of her family, her students, and the countless individuals she touched throughout her remarkable life.
All who knew Joyce are welcome to join the family at her funeral service, which will take place April 18th, 11:00am at Chapel of the Hills, 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030.