Born in Yorkshire, Joyce Taylor was one of twins (her twin sister is Dorothy). Growing up in Leeds, Joyce was fun-loving and active. She was a strong swimmer and, because of her small size, became a mascot for her local team. She fondly recalled being thrown in the pool regularly after swimming sessions. She also always loved dancing (a fondness that always remained with her). She grew up with a strong work ethic – her parents later owned a fish and chip shop. She later trained as a tailoress in London and retained a strong eye for good fabrics and fashion, as well as an eye for style, for the rest of her life. She was always immaculately dressed. She also made her own clothes and often altered and re-styled fabrics and clothes for friends and family. Later, she joined the Civil Service, becoming an Executive Officer and organising high-level conferences for officials. She met heads of state and UK politicians such as Margaret Thatcher and Douglas Hurd. She also organised the launch event for the privatisation/flotation of British Airways, working with Lord King. She always loved entertaining, especially at home. Tragically, her 20-year old daughter Christine died in a car accident and Joyce never fully recovered from this loss. She was very proud of her son, Martin, and his family. She had the most generous heart – there was nothing she would not do for her family and friends. She could be relied upon absolutely and especially in times of crisis. Joyce was extremely active, with a strong mental attitude to illness. If she felt ill or down, she would often pull a coat on and go for a walk. This year, she suffered some injuries to her back and collar bone, which caused her pain, but did not stop her from helping others. She volunteered at the local hospital, Northwick Park, up until the week of her death. She often said that she needed to feel useful and found joy in helping others. She made great friends at the hospital. She also volunteered at her local bowls club and regularly went dancing twice a week. She loved to travel and see new places, travelling in the last few years of her life to countries such as China, Australia and Italy with friends. Wales and Devon were especially dear to her as well as her native Yorkshire, when she would often talk fondly of cycling over the moors in her younger days. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.