Obituary: Joy Wetzel, a fearless voice for cancer survivors

For hundreds of Twin Cities women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Joy Wetzel was the first survivor they would meet.

The Golden Valley woman took her Stage IV ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2001 and used it as a cause to help thousands of cancer survivors, doctors, nurses and researchers all better understand the deadly disease. She was a mentor, a volunteer and a board member with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, an optimistic, inspirational advocate for so many over 13 years.

"She was the embodiment of hope," said the group's executive director, Kathleen Gavin. "She was living an active life, traveling all over the world. She had a really rich life of family and friends. And she was committed to living a meaningful life."

It turns out the only thing that could slow down the fearless, globe-trotting woman was cancer itself. Wetzel died Nov. 6 at her home. She was 71.

"People would say 'I was so afraid, and then I talked to Joy,' " Gavin said. "That's such a gift that she did that for so many people."

Throughout her life, there was no cause too big or too small for Wetzel. From a 34-year career as a Fridley teacher to volunteering for clinical trials after her diagnosis, she was determined to live a life of selflessness.

"Very few things were done for herself," said her husband, John Wetzel. "She was aptly named. Her smile could light up a room."

Although she had no children, she was a motherly figure to thousands of children — from Fridley schools to children in need. In 1999, she retired from teaching but started a sort of second career, representing abused and neglected children as a volunteer guardian ad litem in Hennepin County.

"She just had that smile … people wanted to talk to her," said Jane Borochoff of Plymouth, a friend and fellow guardian ad litem.

Wetzel volunteered for several years at Minneapolis-based Sharing and Caring Hands. She also volunteered with the Aquatennial festival. But it was her volunteer work with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance after her diagnosis that was most visible, forcing the self-described introvert onto speaker podiums at national conferences, health fairs and clinics, helping students, doctors and nurses better understand the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. As a rare long-term, late-stage survivor, she also mentored women struggling with their own diagnosis.

"She gave me and so many women that hope," said Sarah Noonan, a cancer survivor who used to live in Chaska and spoke at seminars with Wetzel. "She never let [the disease] stop her."

In fact, Wetzel lived an eclectic life as a pilot, skier, golfer and avid traveler, visiting all seven continents with her husband.

That has continued after her death; those who wished to remember her were asked to make donations to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

In addition to her husband, John, Wetzel is survived by sisters Jan Candee of Bismarck, N.D.; Joline Brown of Haymarket, Va.; and Julie Koch of Chanhassen; and many other relatives. Services have been held.