Dear Anne, Steve, Laura and Brian,
Joe and I send our love and best wishes to you, and condolences on the loss of your Mom, Joyce, after what must have been a pain-filled year for her and all of you.
We remember with deep appreciation Joyce, whom we knew well back in the late 60s on the West Side Campus. Joe and I enjoyed many occasions with Phil and Joyce, whether out for an evening dancing, or engaged in profound conversations about the current direction of our “mission.” Joe considered Phil one of his closest colleagues; I held Joyce as a mentor of grace, accomplishment, and mature intentionality, and as a young 26 year old then, I longed to be like her.
As new interns in 1968 we were assigned to the same College (I think that was what we called it then), and Joyce spoke during our evening meals with such delight of “Steve and Laurie” who were getting ready to go overseas as high school students. We met “Laurie” much later as our dear Laura, when we were assigned to the Philadelphia Religious House with her, and saw so much of her Mom reflected in her amazing strength, intelligence and intentionality.
In 1968 Brian was a little 2 year old (or so it seemed to me he was about that age) and I will always remember Joyce’s witness in Daily Office about Brian’s profound theological comment to her, occasioned by bubbles at bath time that for her captured the ever-present wonder and awe in ordinary daily acts and encounters. That year she was assigned (among other things) to head up “maintenance,” handing out brooms, buckets and wastebaskets to us as we did our morning “obediences.” She always looked like a Glamour model to me, as I swept whatever assigned space after breakfast, and then hurried out to my job as “permeator.”
Joe and I last spent time with Joyce at the reception at Kemper following Phil’s Memorial Service. Even after 30 years she represented all the qualities we had always cherished as “Joyce.”
We give great thanks for her life and the gift her presence offered to our family.
Grace, peace and love,
Marilyn and Joe
Marilyn R. Crocker, Ed.D
123 Sanborn Rd
West Newfield, ME 04095
From: oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Townley, Anne
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 2:53 PM
To: oe@lists.wedgeblade.net
Subject: [Oe List ...] Passing of Joyce Townley
We are sad to inform you that Joyce Townley died in her sleep at her home in Chicago at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Steve was with her. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just over a year ago.
Memorial Service
Please join us in celebrating the completed life of Joyce Elaine Townley @ Unity in Chicago on Saturday, April 27th @ 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow.
Unity Church - 1925 W. Thome Ave, Chicago, IL 60660 (West Ridge) (773) 973-0007
In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations may be made to Unity in Chicago.
Map / Directions