Only this time, the classes were online, and even at her advanced age, she had to learn how to use a laptop.
Digital Desk: A 90-year-old woman graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the United States, 71 years after enrolling for a home economics degree.
Joyce DeFauw, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, walked across the stage on Sunday to receive her diploma, bringing to a close a dream that had been in the works since 1951.
DeFauw, then Joyce Viola Kane, told CNN that she attended college for three and a half years before dropping out after meeting a remarkable man at a church.
Don Freeman Sr. won her heart and married her in 1955. The nonagenarian graduate had three children with her late first husband before he passed away.
She remarried Roy DeFauw, her second late husband, with whom she had six children, including two sets of twins, five years later.
Her family has grown over the years, with 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
DeFaw didn't want to go back and finish what she had started until 2019. Her family supported her decision to complete her education.
"I think I mentioned that I was disappointed that I didn't finish school, and my kids encouraged me to go back," she recalled.
So she decided to return to NIU, but not before shocking the school with her question about a previous enrollment from the 1950s.
Only this time, the classes were online, and even at her advanced age, she had to learn how to use a laptop.
DeFaw felt like giving up at times, but she persisted.
"Don't give up," she advises those who find themselves in her situation. I understand how difficult it can be, but everything in life has its ups and downs."
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