Joyce VanDyke Taylor
Joyce VanDyke Taylor passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and family. A loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joyce will be remembered for her caring heart, thoughtful nature, and unwavering kindness toward everyone she met.
Joyce found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially watching her favorite game shows. Whether it was Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, or Cash Cab, she rarely missed an episode and delighted in the challenge and excitement they brought. These moments reflected her lively spirit and love of learning, traits that endeared her to family and friends alike. In addition to her love of game shows, Joyce was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles, cheering them on with enthusiasm. She loved going to Delaware Park with her son, Scott. After high school graduation, Joyce worked for many years at Delmar Photo Service and retired from Nemours Health Clinic in the accounting department.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert G. Taylor; her parents, Hassel and Alice VanDyke; her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and John Sweetman; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Greg Malatesta; and sister, Betty Sweetman.
Joyce is survived by her devoted sons, Bob (Karen) and Scott (Jacqueline), who were the pride and joy of her life. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Bobby (Stephanie), Shawn (Jamie), and Zach (Becca); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Jaymyn, Jayden, Cameron, Evan, Skylar, Sayge, Alex, Rylee, and Brynlee. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Laureen Stigile and Hope Moore (Bill); her sister-in-law, Helen Warren; brother-in-law, John Sweetman; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly as evident by remembering them on their birthday and Christmas with a card and lottery ticket. A special thank you is extended to her dear friends, Trudy Welch, and Jane and Ed Marston, for their many years of friendship and support.
Joyce’s warmth, compassion, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Food Bank of Delaware, Attn: Development Department, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, DE 19702 or online by clicking here.
June K Ewing
Joyce was a special lady. Never had a mean thing to say about anyone. Was a devoted employee of Nemours for many years. She will be missed dearly.
Love, June Ewing
Catherine Moore Travers
Sending my heartfelt condolences to all of Joyce’s family and friends.
Joyce spent 12 years with me and many of her classmates in the William Penn High School Class of 1958. Our classmates have been getting together for several years by joining a monthly lunch and Joyce was in attendance for many until her recent illness.
One of my memories of Joyce was her fondness for pumpkins rolls around the holidays.
We will surely miss seeing her.
Marie Morris
Just one word described Joyce, “amazing”. She met life’s challenges with grace and patience. She was always a positive influence on me.. I loved her sense of humor and infectious laugh. We had many good tines working together at Nemours.
She was full of love for her family and was so proud of them. I’m going to miss her forever.
Bryan
So sorry for your loss!! Keep those memories and Moments close to your heart!
Pat Duca
I met Joyce when she came to Nemours for an interview for a job opening. Shortly after Joyce was welcomed as an NHC staffer and soon became like a good friend to many. Joyce joined the “girls weekend” at the Jersey shore along with other NHC staffers & we would meet up for lunch a few times each year. Anyone who was lucky to know Joyce would feel special. Condolences to the family . A new angel joined heaven,
Jane Marston
Simply Stated….To know Joyce was to LOVE Joyce…….Her special heart, love and
Spirit will live on in her family whom she loved SO much, her friends, and her Nemours
Health Clinic “family.” GREAT MEMORIES!!! A SPECIAL SPECIAL LADY INDEED!!!
Jane and Ed Marston
Lucille Dickerson
Joyce was a longtime friend. We worked together at Delmar Photo Service. She was so nice to everyone. Loved Delaware Park. Her family meant everything to her. Your friend Lucille.
Lucy Binette
John and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all of Joyce’s family. We were both so fond of Joyce and enjoyed the time spent with her over the years.
May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Love, John and Lucy Binette
Helen Klingerman
I met Joyce thru my sister Jane and brother in law Ed. Jane just loved Tami more,then words. They met at Nemours and friends ever since. I had the please of meeting Joyce thru work and I always enjoyed speaking to her and Karen.
Joyce always made me smile and make my day that much better after speaking with her
RIP Joyce with the lord
Helen