Joyce Grubb, an inspirational art teacher who taught at Kirriemuir’s Webster’s High School for more than two decades, has died aged 88.
As well as teaching art, Joyce served as principal teacher of guidance and was promoted to become assistant headteacher.
She influenced many young lives, produced and directed school drama productions as well as teaching drawing, painting and printing.
Many of the paintings she produced in her leisure time hang in homes around the world and she even had work sold by Sotheby’s in New York.
Joyce was born in Newcastle in 1934 to Edith Shield and Austin Bone.
During the Second World War her father worked for the Shipping Federation in Plymouth and Joyce had memories of watching exhausted troops climb out of boats after the Dunkirk evacuation.
After the war the family moved to Dundee and settled in Downfield which was still regarded as a village.
She had the freedom to explore the nearby farms and berry fields and grew up in a musical family.
Her father had served in the Merchant Navy and enjoyed making model ships and glove puppets while her mother was a fine dressmaker and storywriter.
Joyce inherited their creativity and displayed a talent for art while still at primary school.
She went on to Morgan Academy, Dundee, before going to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee.
One Saturday in 1952 at Kidd’s Rooms in the city she met her future husband, Iain Grubb.
However, Iain, who as 18, was required to serve his two years’ National Service and the couple had to go their separate ways.
A few years on, they bumped into each other in Andy Lothian’s Palais dance hall in South Tay Street, Dundee, and rekindled their romance.
They married in July, 1957 and went on to spend 57 years of married life together.
Their son Kevin was born in 1963, followed by Judith in 1965 and Stephen in 1967.
The family began renovating a house in Windsor Street, Dundee, and struck up a lifelong friendship with Jim and Rhoda Powrie.
In the early 1970s, after the family had moved to Kirriemuir, Joyce began her teaching career at Webster’s High School where she was to remain throughout her career.
Inspirational
During her time at the school, Joyce was known for being calm in a crisis and encouraged others to explore their interests.
She retired 28 years ago and kept busy childminding, illustrating, writing and gardening.
Even after the death of her beloved Iain, Joyce continued to paint the landscapes of the Angus Glens she loved so much.
Her final painting was a wedding gift for her grandson Sean and his wife, Ruth.
Conversation