How a Snowman Came to Life In San Diego

It all began with The Frosty Founders’ “Grandma Joyce” and her journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Sharing her musical talents with local seniors was one of the many ways she brought joy to others and made lasting connections within her community. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018, Joyce continued to spread cheer to others by leading sing-a-longs on the piano as a Memory Care resident.  As her disease progressed - and as she fought through COVID - her strength and commitment to giving continued through sing-a-longs with her family over FaceTime and other seniors in her Memory Care community. 

As she started to lose her ability to speak, she communicated by playing the piano - typically starting with a favorite Mozart or Chopin and always ending in “Frosty The Snowman.” The old-time favorites from her childhood stayed in her memory the longest and  brought the most smiles and engagement with other seniors.  

As her disease went into the final stages, her family played Christmas carols and other childhood favorites to connect with her and try to spark happy memories - just like she used to do. In a few of those special times, she came back to life… 

Joyce passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2022 and is greatly missed. Her daughter, Wendy, and granddaughters, Sophia and Charlotte, wanted to continue her beautiful tradition of sharing music with others.  Inspired by a sing-a-long in San Diego held in memory of Grandma Joyce, we brought The Frostys to life!