Joy Dreier

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Joy Dreier.

Mrs. Joy Dreier of Port Washington passed away peacefully on Monday morning, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years old.

Joy was born on May 3, 1941, in Menominee, Mich., to Lester and Dorothy (nee Noel) Greenwood.

She attended local schools and graduated from Menominee High School with the Class of 1959.

On Sept. 28, 1963, Joy married Robert Dreier at St. Ann Catholic Church in Menominee, Mich. The couple initially lived in Milwaukee before settling in Port Washington, where they raised their family of three children.

To know Joy was to love her. She was a safe space, protector, confidant and friend to everyone who knew her. Whether it was a question in life, a triumph to celebrate or a burden to share, you called Joy. She gave of herself without hesitation, loved deeply and fought fiercely for what was right. She was the heart of her family and friends, the one everyone leaned on in times of need. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

For over 35 years, Joy and Bob were loving foster parents to newborns, leaving a lasting impact on many young lives. Joy also served her community as the director of the Port Washington Food Pantry and, alongside Bob, she volunteered tirelessly with various local organizations.

After Bob’s passing in 2019, Joy continued her service as a member of the Port Washington Senior Center, where she sang with the Senior Singers and participated in the Chicks with Sticks knitting group. She was a devoted volunteer with Meals on Wheels, an active member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, and a passionate advocate for adoption.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the medical teams who provided compassionate care and support to their beloved mother during her courageous battle with cancer. The kindness, respect and dedication shown by the doctors, nurses, CNAs and support staff at St. Luke’s Cancer Center, New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lasata long-term skilled nursing and Horizon Hospice mirrored the way she lived her life — serving others with love and selflessness. They are forever grateful for the comfort you brought to her and to the family during this difficult time.

Joy’s memory will be cherished by her children Sandra Dreier of Hudson, Wis., Michael (Lynn) Dreier of Port Washington and Daniel (Michelle) Dreier of Mounds View, Minn.; her grandchildren Joshua Dreier, Caitlin (Chris) Flowers, Nicholas Dreier, Kyra (Chris) Neal, Sterling Schaefer and Adrielle Dreier; and her great-grandchildren Cedric, Rylin, Alice and Abigail.

She is further survived by her brother Tom (Carol) Greenwood of Naples, Fla., and sister Jean (Kim) Harpt of Menominee, Mich., as well as nieces, nephews, numerous foster children, extended family and many dear friends.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Bob, her brother John Greenwood and her sister Joan (the late Steve) Kopish.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington. Father Patrick Wendt will preside. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Joy will be laid to rest beside her husband at St. Mary’s Mausoleum in Port Washington the following day.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the The Food Pantry Inc. of Port Washington or St. John XXIII Catholic School.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.