Who is Donald Rumsfelds wife Joyce H Pierson?
FORMER Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld passed away on June 29, 2021, at the age of 88. Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977 under Gerald Ford - and again from 2001 to 2006 under George W Bush. In December 1954, Rumsfeld married Joyce H Pierson. She and Rumsfeld were classmates together at New Trier High School and she went on to receive a BA in Art History from the University of Colorado in 1954. Joyce founded the Chicago Foundation for Education in 1985 and served as Chairman of its Board of Directors for thirteen years. In 2006 she was awarded the DoD's Distinguished Public Service Award for her work with the US military and their families. In 2007, Joyce and Donald established the Rumsfeld Foundation to "support leadership, public service and free political and economic systems at home and abroad". The couple have three children together, Valerie, Donald and Marcy. They also have seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, according to their Rumsfeld Foundation website. Rumsfeld and Pierson live in St Michaels, Maryland. On June 30, 2021, his family announced the former politician's death in a statement. He died on June 29, 2021. It read: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Donald Rumsfeld, an American statesman and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. "History may remember him for his extraordinary accomplishments over six decades of public service, but for those who knew him best and whose lives were forever changed as a result, we will remember his unwavering love for his wife Joyce, his family and friends, and the integrity he brought to a life dedicated to country." 4 Rumsfeld passed away on June 29, 2021 Credit: Getty  The statement confirmed that he passed away "surrounded by family" in Taos, New Mexico. The cause of Rumsfeld's death was multiple myeloma, according to his spokesman, Keith Urbahn. Congressman Mike Waltz's (R-Florida) press account tweeted: "America will never forget its Secretary of Defense who ran to the burning Pentagon on September 11th to help others in need. "Donald Rumsfeld was a patriot who served his country in uniform, in the halls of Congress, as U.S. Ambassador to NATO, White House Chief of Staff, and as Secretary of Defense under two administrations." The account added: "I take great pride in having worked as a policy advisor for Afghanistan in the Pentagon under his leadership. "He was dedicated to ensuring our military was ready in times of peace and keeping our country safe in times of war. Rest in Peace." 4 Rumsfeld was 88 at the time of his death Credit: Getty Images - Getty  Florida Congressman Bryon Donalds paid his respects to Rumsfeld, tweeting: "Erika and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Donald Rumsfeld. "As a statesman and proud American, he led his life with great integrity and poise, and his esteemed career has left an indelible impact on American history. "May he rest in eternal peace."