Joyce Schneider, 81 of Henderson, NV passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024. An educator, community philanthropist and motivational speaker, Joyce made every day of her life count.

Growing up in Crofton, a rural Nebraska town along the Missouri River, she lived on her family farm and went to a one-room schoolhouse. After high school, she knew she wanted to become a teacher. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Wayne State College, she attended the University of Colorado and Northern Arizona University achieving her master's degree. Joyce also obtained her administrator license, but chose to stay where her passion was, in the classroom where she could inspire and make a difference in children's lives.

She was blessed with a natural gift for education and seeing the best in children. Joyce taught for more than 40 years, beginning her teaching career in Sioux Falls, SD. In 1967 she packed up her red Pontiac and did the solo drive to Las Vegas beginning her education career for the Clark County School District teaching 3rd grade at Rex Bell, Lewis E. Rowe and opening Estes McDoniel and Vanderburg Elementary Schools. Early in her career, she was asked to co-develop the UNLV student teaching program. Through the years she taught student teachers how to be the best for their students.

YES I CAN! was proudly displayed at the front of the classroom and became the class slogan. Over many years, she had former students stop and tell her how those words rang true throughout their lives and how they lived by that motto daily.

Stepping away from the classroom in 2004, she refocused and put her love for children and education into the community. Joyce was a member of the Josh Stevens Foundation and was Board President of the UNLV College of Education for many years. Another passion of hers was the Discovery Children's Museum. As a trustee board member for more than 20 years, she was named a 'Friend of Kids' award recipient. Bringing education and excitement for learning together were her passions and the Discovery Children's Museum was where she shined brightly. As a community philanthropist, she was asked by schools, non-profit organizations and businesses to share her enthusiasm through motivational speaking. She loved bringing people together and sharing how each person was special to her and others.

Joyce, a mentor to many and loved by all, demonstrated her positive attitude and love for life. Every day she would ask people what they were celebrating, because she believed each day was a chance to bring joy.

Joyce is survived by her husband Stephen Schneider, daughter Mollie Schneider-Halvorsen (Ryan), son Marc (Kristin) and her five beloved grandchildren (Ziya, Tru, Eila, Garin and Dallyn). A memorial mass will be celebrated at St Francis of Assisi in Henderson on Friday, June 14th at 10:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be at the Schneider residence beginning at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joyce's honor to Discovery Children's Museum. Find Joy in Everyday - just like Joyce!