For me, Joyce Sobel was the woman here who understood more about people and their needs, and was their friend, than anyone else I knew.

Early this morning I woke up wanting information about early child development, and I dismissed the wonderings, thinking to myself, “I’ll ask Joyce”.

Then my body went tight, realizing that this would not happen. Joyce’s death last week has left a huge hole on San Juan Island, and because of her, many of us have memories that shape our thinking and our lives. She was an unusual and vital person. I will need to change. Now I shall ask myself,

“What would Joyce say?” She will be with us for a long time in this way, and we are fortunate to have had her. I give great thanks for the life of Joyce Sobel.

Eileen Drath

Friday Harbor