Given the description and the location and the apparent neglect, I'd suggest you look at
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. When it's been neglected, it will get smaller rounder leaves, and can droop then grow straight up.
A picture is worth any amount of words from us, though.
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/fo...ight=kalanchoe
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/fo...ight=kalanchoe
Both of these threads show the sort of kalanchoe habit that I think you are describing.