Great-Grandmother of 24 Who Sacrificed Studies for Family Set to Graduate College at 90

An elderly woman has become a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for anyone who thinks it's too late to accomplish their goals. After nearly seven decades, she earned her college degree at 90 years young, thanks to her conviction and her family's support.

In life, one critical element to beware of is that despite our best intentions and well-laid-out plans, we can still face unexpected circumstances. While controlling our external environment isn't always possible, we can choose how we react when unlikely situations arise.

For many people, especially parents, it all comes down to priorities—the same was true for Joyce Viola DeFauw, from Chicago, Illinois, whose heartfelt wish took several years to come to fruition. But instead of remorse and regret, her journey only taught her love, kindness, and gratitude.

Quitting College

DeFauw was raised in a small farming community outside the Quad Cities, and she went to grade school in a one-room building. In 1951, she started college at what later became known as Northern Illinois University, but after three and a half years, she left her studies mid-way.

Fellow students, teachers, and community members applauded the 90-year-old woman for inspiring others.

Finding Love & Starting a New Chapter

But what was the reason that made DeFauw quit college without completing her education? At the time, she crossed paths with a young man who captivated her heart and made her fall in love with him.

Eventually, the couple decided to put a ring on their love; although the Chicago resident had left her studies incomplete, she was happy to start a new chapter in life and embark on an exciting journey with her loving husband.

Loss & Healing

The lovely duo welcomed parenthood and became a doting mom and dad to three adorable babies. But sadly, fate's cruel intervention turned DeFauw's life topsy-turvy, and in the most unexpected turn of events, she lost her life partner and the father of her children.

It was a profound, heart-shattering loss, and she dedicated herself to caring for her children for the next few years. After being widowed for five years, she met another man and remarried. Together, she and her second husband became doting parents to six kids.

Prioritizing Her Family

DeFauw's life became even busier as time passed, but the thought of her incomplete college degree never left her mind. While she continued to be a good parent to her kids, a part of her longed to do something about her education.

Until 2019, the prospect of further education became all the more difficult because DeFauw knew her family was her priority. But as her little ones transitioned from youth into adulthood, they were finally at a stage where they could understand their mother's dreams, hopes, and interests in a better way.

Finishing What She Once Started

And like that, almost 70 years later, DeFauw said she told her children how she wished she had gone back to college to complete her studies. To her delight, her family encouraged her to resume her education and finish what she had once started.

Undoubtedly, a lot changed from the 1950s to 2019, but the only constants in DeFauw's life were her resilience, motivation, and commitment. So, with her children's support, she re-enrolled in NIU to earn a baccalaureate in general education.

Giving up Was Not an Option

A critical aspect of her student life was knowing how to use a computer because she had to take online classes to earn her diploma. Again, her children came together, bought her a laptop, and helped her understand how to use it to the point that it became a wholesome experience for her.

Like any student, there were times when DeFauw was overwhelmed with assignments and projects and felt like calling it quits. "As far as the encouragement of everyone -- my friends and my family and my teachers -- I just couldn't give up," she added.

Done & Dusted

On Sunday, December 11, 2022, DeFauw put on her graduation gown and cap to finally hold her college degree and give a befitting ending to what began seven decades ago. Fellow students, teachers, and community members applauded the 90-year-old woman for inspiring others.

Dr. Lisa Freeman, North Illinois University's President, stated that DeFauw had set a perfect example, telling the world that as long as we're alive, it's never too late to pursue learning and education.

The Senior Citizen's Message

It was a momentous occasion for DeFauw, a mother of 9, grandma of 17, and great-grandmother of 24 with two more grandkids on the way. When asked what message she had for people struggling to do something in life but not knowing how, the older lady replied:

"Keep going. Don't give up."

The Online Reaction

When DeFauw's phenomenal story was shared on social media, it warmed the hearts of many and garnered thousands of views and comments. Let's take a look at a few messages of appreciation, support, and love from the online community:

"Congratulations. That's awesome. I graduated with my master's last May at 56. It is not for the weary. I think I'm more impressed that she did it online at 90!"

— (@ori.privett) December 9, 2022

"Good for you great granny. It's never too late to achieve your goals."

— (@allan.kinyua.5) December 9, 2022

"So proud of her. A true inspiration. Congratulations."

— (@marie.abbruzzesi) December 9, 2022

"She's a role model to live a healthy longer successful life (sic)."

— (@deliasummers.fb) December 9, 2022

"Good for her. How inspiring…"

— (@100087990783225) December 11, 2022

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think the older lady did the right thing by resuming her education 70 years later? We would love to hear your valuable feedback on Facebook.

Click here to read another story about a granddaughter and her 87-year-old terminally-ill granddad who graduated college together.