Joyce Laabs Sheker Sun City, AZJoyce Laabs Sheker finished a long and remarkable life on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the age of 94. Joyce was born on August 28, 1922 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Lisle and Myrtice Sweet. A fiercely independent woman and avid traveler, she visited every continent and 79 countries over the course of her lifetime, traveling to far flung destinations ranging from Oman to Antarctica, even visiting Shanghai at age 90. Alongside a successful business career, Joyce found her passion for adventure early in life, striking out to live in Alaska before it was a state and meeting her first husband, Bill Laabs, there. She later lived in Tennessee and Arizona, while spending summers in the vineyards of the south of France or on the beaches of Coronado Island. After Bill Laabs passed away, Joyce found love again with Bob Sheker, who also predeceased her. She remained active planning trips, playing bridge, and enjoying her daily wine with friends.Joyce is survived by her two children, Albert Laabs (Meta) and Barbara Laabs Van Hare (David). She was affectionately known as Grandmere to her grandchildren, Mark Laabs and Keith Laabs (Denise). Private burial with a graveside service will be at a later date in Memphis, Tennessee. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Rare Cancer Research Foundation online ( www.rarecancer.org) or 112 S Duke St, Suite 101, Durham NC 27701.