Darlene Joyce

Darlene Marie Cruikshank Joyce, a lifelong advocate for women in higher education and a dedicated administrator at the University of Minnesota, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 80.

Darlene was born on December 23, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She spent much of her youth in California and especially cherished her summers at her grandfather's home in Santa Cruz, where she formed some of her most treasured childhood memories. Known affectionately to her as "Bamp," her grandfather played a formative role in her early life, nurturing her love of family traditions, discovery, and creative expression.

Darlene began her academic and professional journey studying voice and counseling, but it was through the mentorship of Dick Caldecott that her leadership potential was recognized and elevated. At a time when few women held executive roles in higher education, she rose through the ranks at the University of Minnesota, where she would spend the entirety of her long and influential career. Her dedication, intellect, and quiet strength helped open doors for women in academia, breaking through barriers and making space for others to lead. Her impact extended beyond policy, as she mentored colleagues, championed inclusion, and helped shape a culture that valued equity and excellence.

Outside of her professional life, Darlene was a woman of many interests and passions. In the first half of her life, she was an avid crafter and collector, at various times working with miniatures, rubber stamps, candles, decorative paper, and ribbon. She had a deep love for singing and cherished Christmas, which she celebrated with joyful enthusiasm. A faithful letter-writer, she delighted in both writing and receiving personal mail, a tradition she maintained even as the world became more digital. She was also a fan of Hallmark movies, which brought her comfort and connection to the sentimental joys of life.

In midlife, Darlene made a discovery that would shape the rest of her life: she learned that her beloved grandfather had adopted her father and changed his birth certificate. This revelation sparked a deep and lasting interest in genealogy. For decades, she pursued family history with diligence and heart, uncovering stories, preserving records, and building connections across generations. It became not just a hobby but a mission, one that reflected her curiosity, resilience, and search for meaning.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, and her brother, Don. She is survived and deeply missed by her son, Karl, her daughter-in-law, Sara, her grandsons, Henry and Isaac, her brother, Larry, and numerous other family members and friends whose lives she touched.

Her legacy lives on in the stories she preserved, the barriers she helped break, and the traditions she held dear.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 11:00 AM, Pilgrim House Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1212 Hwy 96 West, Arden Hills, MN.