Joyce Leonard Drew

Joyce Leonard Drew passed away peacefully at home with her daughter and her favorite cat Poppy at her side, on March 25, 2026, at the age of 90; Joyce was a life-long resident and “character” of Norfolk, Virginia for over 60 years.

She was born in Washington D.C. to Harold Leonard and Ruth Clark just before World War II. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Mary Hoffman Pasanen; sister Donna Miller; granddaughter, Lauren Pasanen Sencio; grandson, John Pasanen III and great-grandchildren, Asher and Shaylee Sencio. After graduating from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, Joyce graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in English. While in college she married Thomas D. Hoffman, and had her daughter Mary Elizabeth. Joyce and Tom made several career moves before settling in Norfolk, VA.

Joyce began her teaching career at Carolton Oaks (now Norfolk Collegiate) where she taught sixth grade students. She moved to Norfolk Public Schools, where she taught for 35 years at Norview and Maury High Schools. During this time she met and married the love of her life, Jim Drew. She was the Junior Class sponsor for many years. In 1979, she transferred to Maury High School. There she was involved in Operation Smile, the development of the Maury Paragraph, and editing the Yearbook.

She and Jim loved spending weekends sailing the Mary Gloster on the Chesapeake Bay with friends. They shared a love of cats, having many over the years and she even tried to get them to go sailing too! Joyce had a great love of travel. She would spend many nights with her best friend Nadia Heartsoe, meticulously planning their next trip. She made more than 30 trips overseas with Great Britain being one of her favorite destinations. She saw many places such as Machu Picchu, Stonehenge and the Roman Coliseum. Joyce loved the arts, supporting the Norfolk Opera and the Wells Theater.

Joyce was well-loved by her daughter and grandchildren. She was always there for support, attending piano recitals and orchestra concerts. She shared her love of education by supporting her daughter and grandchildren through their college degrees. Known for her sharp mind and humor, she was always ready to correct grammar, anytime, anywhere!

Joyce chose to be cremated and did not want a memorial service. She was a life-long supporter of Norfolk SPCA and PETA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to them in her memory.