Lenita Joye (Knapp) Schroeder

Lenita Joye Schroeder passed into eternal rest on November 23, 2022, in Harlingen, Texas. She had lived at Golden Palms Retirement Center since arriving in Harlingen in 2000 from Brownwood, Texas.

Born in Houston, Texas, on May 13, 1922, to her devoted parents, Hortense and John Knapp, as an only child Joye enjoyed growing up in Houston and spending summers with extended family in the mountains of Colorado. She later returned to the southwest as the wife of Prince Henry Schroeder, living in Albuquerque, New Mexico and their summer home at Lake Vallecito, near Durango, Colorado. Joye and Prince became the heart of the close-knit Vallecito community with whom they spent many years sharing warm friendships amidst exhilarating beauty.

Through the years, Joye and Prince traveled the world, visiting upwards of 75 countries. Interested in knowing a country well and understanding its people and culture, they often chose to sail on freighter ships, spending large amounts of time cultivating friendships which knew no country or boundary. It was not unusual for them to invite new friends to their homes in Albuquerque and Vallecito; one never knew who would show up and be welcomed at the Schroeders’ front door.

A talented artist, Joye filled her homes with paintings large and small of fascinating faces and interesting places, lovely flowers and trees, famous castles and adobe trade posts. Museums of the southwestern United States hold a number of Schroder Southwestern collectable items on public exhibition.

Upon the death of her husband, Joye moved to Golden Palms in Harlingen to be near close friends.

Joye celebrated her 100th birthday in May 2022, surrounded by many friends from near and far. Her generous spirit, expansive worldview, and devotion to friends she considered her family will be long treasured.

Interment of Lenita Joye Schroeder will take place in the Locker Cemetery in Locker, Texas, where she joins her husband, Prince, and close friends in repose.

Deep appreciation is expressed to Rosie Flores, Sandra Rivera, Teresa Quintanilla, and Companion Sitter Service employees for their longtime devoted care for Joye. The kindness and expertise provided by Dr. James Castillo and DHR Hospice nurses and chaplain allowed Joye to live her remaining months with dignity and peace. The Golden Palms staff, under the leadership of Norma Colwell, offered constant support. All who loved Joye thank each of you for your kindness.

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