JOYCIE

When we woke up this morning, our friend Joycie was not with us. She was not there for a call, or a chat, or a laugh. We realized that now, and from now on, she would occupy only the generous portion of our hearts where she had found her way so long ago.
But as to permanence in a very practical sense, Joycie walks and lives and breathes today all over our planet. Because somewhere there is a young musician, recognized as a prodigy and funded through Joycie's philanthropy, who is on his way to Carnegie Hall. Somewhere a child whose love for reading was launched through a literacy program sponsored by Joyce is on her way to becoming an accomplished author. Somewhere a promising scientist who has been guaranteed an education or a research grant through Joyce's generosity is on his way to a cure or a breakthrough. And somewhere a hopeless addict has been reunited with the family she had lost and rekindled with hope that seemed out of reach thanks to Joycie's intervention.
All over the planet beat hearts with love for life, and contributions still to come, because of the relentless love for the underdog that drove Joyce Kresa. The myriad of lives into which she spoke will never know of her passing, as they never knew of her generosity. Joyce gave quietly and selflessly. But the impact of her life is resounding as it shouts YES to those who vanquish suppression, seek and find opportunity, and make a difference in the quality of life of those around them. That, after all, will be her legacy. From the heart and soul of that tiny woman with a great big heart, to those in need everywhere. 

Sleep in heavenly peace, dear friend. Know that the lives you have touched will touch others, and that your memory will be eternal.