Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
From Aviva Maller
Joanna
Joanna means G-d is gracious
How perfect!
Joanna was blessed by G-d's grace to have so many wonderful qualities.
She was so much fun and yet she was serious and focused and so intent on getting her work done efficiently and in the best way possible. What most people don't know is that so much of what you saw at Agudath was done quietly by Joanna.
Occasionally she would ask for help of some sort but mostly she was about, "getting the job done!" It was not just done quickly but well and she loved checking off her accomplishments. I could never walk into the office without Joanna saying something about me in a disparaging yet jovial manner. I called her "Blondie" she called me "long hair." She would always spoil me, making me coffee and finding me treats to nourish me for my early morning meetings. She loved to throw Hebrew words out at me and I was always amazed at how much she knew.
I would compliment her great work and give her other ideas, which she loved but always complained and told me to stop giving her these great ideas because they would be more work for her! She knew she could come to me without question for anything but yet she would always be respectful of my time.
We talked of fun things and she had a mischievous spirit that was exciting and calming at the same time. We made promises to visit her little caretakers cottage in Westport or her cabin in the woods near the Canadian border where there was no running water or electricity. Only Joanna could think it was relaxing to spend a weekend without the amenities we all take for granted.
While Joanna was suffering, unbeknownst to me, from her sudden stroke and coma, I was thinking of her nonstop as I planted my flowers this past Sunday, thinking I can't wait to show my flowers to Joanna and show her that there is more to life than Marigolds all in a row. I so wanted to see those marigolds and tease her about her perfect orderly manner of controlling her world. I wanted to show her how disheveled wild flowers were also beautiful, in an un-orderly way. She would have said. "Cool!" Of course she planted Marigolds, they are neat and tidy and blonde! The last time I spoke with Joanna, other than working on creating Claudette's goodbye party flyer, she shared with me about her rows of Marigolds that she planted the same way every year and how proud she was that last weekend she checked off every item on her to-do list.
I was in awe.
Joanna, I hope your to-do list was, like you, gracious and fun. I will really miss you.
Aviva
Joanna means G-d is gracious
How perfect!
Joanna was blessed by G-d's grace to have so many wonderful qualities.
She was so much fun and yet she was serious and focused and so intent on getting her work done efficiently and in the best way possible. What most people don't know is that so much of what you saw at Agudath was done quietly by Joanna.
Occasionally she would ask for help of some sort but mostly she was about, "getting the job done!" It was not just done quickly but well and she loved checking off her accomplishments. I could never walk into the office without Joanna saying something about me in a disparaging yet jovial manner. I called her "Blondie" she called me "long hair." She would always spoil me, making me coffee and finding me treats to nourish me for my early morning meetings. She loved to throw Hebrew words out at me and I was always amazed at how much she knew.
I would compliment her great work and give her other ideas, which she loved but always complained and told me to stop giving her these great ideas because they would be more work for her! She knew she could come to me without question for anything but yet she would always be respectful of my time.
We talked of fun things and she had a mischievous spirit that was exciting and calming at the same time. We made promises to visit her little caretakers cottage in Westport or her cabin in the woods near the Canadian border where there was no running water or electricity. Only Joanna could think it was relaxing to spend a weekend without the amenities we all take for granted.
While Joanna was suffering, unbeknownst to me, from her sudden stroke and coma, I was thinking of her nonstop as I planted my flowers this past Sunday, thinking I can't wait to show my flowers to Joanna and show her that there is more to life than Marigolds all in a row. I so wanted to see those marigolds and tease her about her perfect orderly manner of controlling her world. I wanted to show her how disheveled wild flowers were also beautiful, in an un-orderly way. She would have said. "Cool!" Of course she planted Marigolds, they are neat and tidy and blonde! The last time I spoke with Joanna, other than working on creating Claudette's goodbye party flyer, she shared with me about her rows of Marigolds that she planted the same way every year and how proud she was that last weekend she checked off every item on her to-do list.
I was in awe.
Joanna, I hope your to-do list was, like you, gracious and fun. I will really miss you.
Aviva
From Rabbi Avi Narrow Tilonsky
Joanna
When I recall Joanna, the first thing that comes to mind is a teaching from pirkei avot which Joanna embodied. In the fifteenth mishna of the first perek, Shamai tells us
"hevei mekabel et kol adam besever panim yafot."
"receive everyone with a pleasant countenance."
Every time that I saw Joanna interacting with people she lit up. She could be enthusiastic about the most routine shul event.
Her emails contained various encouraging greetings, such as a "G'day".
Almost all of them contained at least one excited exclamation mark, and all of them signed off with her constant and sincere tagline, "with best regards."
This attitude is a huge deal. Shamai understood that it was unusual enough that is needed to be stressed in the mishna, and is not intuitive for most people.
What was Joanna's secret? How was she so able to embody this teaching with her contagious enthusiasm and bright personality?
I believe that the answer lies in an email that Joanna once sent me confirming a visit that I made to the Atria.
On Tuesday March 1st Joanna wrote:
"Hi Avi,
I just called Kathy and she definitely wants you to come at 2:30 p.m. Have fun!"
Joanna told me to have fun visiting the Atria because helping others was truly fun for Joanna. She could be so excited when dealing with each person that visited the shul because she sincerely took pleasure in helping others.
When you become the type of person that enjoys helping others, it becomes natural to be "mekabel et kola dam besever panim yafot" "to receive each person with a pleasant countenance."
Joanna showed us the pleasure of helping and volunteering, of viewing an encounter with other people as an opportunity and a privilege.
Today we have the unfortunate task of saying goodbye to Joanna, but not to her legacy,
in her own words,
with her tagline,
"with best regards."
When I recall Joanna, the first thing that comes to mind is a teaching from pirkei avot which Joanna embodied. In the fifteenth mishna of the first perek, Shamai tells us
"hevei mekabel et kol adam besever panim yafot."
"receive everyone with a pleasant countenance."
Every time that I saw Joanna interacting with people she lit up. She could be enthusiastic about the most routine shul event.
Her emails contained various encouraging greetings, such as a "G'day".
Almost all of them contained at least one excited exclamation mark, and all of them signed off with her constant and sincere tagline, "with best regards."
This attitude is a huge deal. Shamai understood that it was unusual enough that is needed to be stressed in the mishna, and is not intuitive for most people.
What was Joanna's secret? How was she so able to embody this teaching with her contagious enthusiasm and bright personality?
I believe that the answer lies in an email that Joanna once sent me confirming a visit that I made to the Atria.
On Tuesday March 1st Joanna wrote:
"Hi Avi,
I just called Kathy and she definitely wants you to come at 2:30 p.m. Have fun!"
Joanna told me to have fun visiting the Atria because helping others was truly fun for Joanna. She could be so excited when dealing with each person that visited the shul because she sincerely took pleasure in helping others.
When you become the type of person that enjoys helping others, it becomes natural to be "mekabel et kola dam besever panim yafot" "to receive each person with a pleasant countenance."
Joanna showed us the pleasure of helping and volunteering, of viewing an encounter with other people as an opportunity and a privilege.
Today we have the unfortunate task of saying goodbye to Joanna, but not to her legacy,
in her own words,
with her tagline,
"with best regards."
From Jocelyn Sherman Avidan
Subject: Reflections on Joann
Sent: May 24, 2011 5:53 PM
Dear Rabbi Cohen, We are stunned and so terribly saddened by the heartbreaking and tragic news of Joanna's death. We are currently in Israel and won't be able to join the community in celebrating her life and mourning her loss tomorrow, but we wanted to share a few thoughts. We first got to know Joanna while working on the retreat 2 years ago. Joanna was always there to help, offering things that we didn't even know we needed. Even when the office was crowded with constituents needing assistance while the phones rang and she was trying to answer emails in a timely manner, she was on top of everything and did it all with a smile. That event, along with countless others, could most certainly not have happened without Joanna's dedication. Joanna would call us from time to time to help with the shul's runs to Costco to pick up supplies. Everything was always perfectly coordinated, and if ever there was a question, we would just call Joanna and she had an answer- every single time. Our community has lost a dedicated employee and trusted friend. Her kind heart, warm spirit and beautiful smile shined through in everything she did. She will be missed. Sincerely, Jocelyn and Ron Avidan
Sent: May 24, 2011 5:53 PM
Dear Rabbi Cohen, We are stunned and so terribly saddened by the heartbreaking and tragic news of Joanna's death. We are currently in Israel and won't be able to join the community in celebrating her life and mourning her loss tomorrow, but we wanted to share a few thoughts. We first got to know Joanna while working on the retreat 2 years ago. Joanna was always there to help, offering things that we didn't even know we needed. Even when the office was crowded with constituents needing assistance while the phones rang and she was trying to answer emails in a timely manner, she was on top of everything and did it all with a smile. That event, along with countless others, could most certainly not have happened without Joanna's dedication. Joanna would call us from time to time to help with the shul's runs to Costco to pick up supplies. Everything was always perfectly coordinated, and if ever there was a question, we would just call Joanna and she had an answer- every single time. Our community has lost a dedicated employee and trusted friend. Her kind heart, warm spirit and beautiful smile shined through in everything she did. She will be missed. Sincerely, Jocelyn and Ron Avidan
From Polly Geller
Subject: Joanna
Sent: May 24, 2011 4:45 PM
Joanna made it possible, gracefully and efficiently. "Of course we can do it!" Thank you Joanna.
Polly Geller
Person-to-Person Board Member and Outreach Coordinator to the Jewish Community
203-329-0386
Sent: May 24, 2011 4:45 PM
Joanna made it possible, gracefully and efficiently. "Of course we can do it!" Thank you Joanna.
Polly Geller
Person-to-Person Board Member and Outreach Coordinator to the Jewish Community
203-329-0386
From David and Lorraine Kweskin
Sent: May 24, 2011 1:25 PM
Joanna was such a dedicated person. Many times she and I would communicate by email early in the morning! I Will greatly miss her, her warm smile and laughing ways Lorraine "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world--Indeed its the only thing that ever has..." Margaret Mead
Joanna was such a dedicated person. Many times she and I would communicate by email early in the morning! I Will greatly miss her, her warm smile and laughing ways Lorraine "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world--Indeed its the only thing that ever has..." Margaret Mead
From: Shelly Senker
Sent: May 24, 2011 1:19 PM
Dear Rabbi Cohen, What a week ! Full of sorrow...it is a hard one for all of us. I can not imagine how you are handling all of these events. It is really making me think and pray. I did not know Joanna that well but i decided to compose a little something in her honor. Thank you for asking. If you do go to Israel to visit the Cantor and Tehilla -- please send them our love-- i did email them and tried to call with no luck. Hopefully we will see him sometime soon. Sincerely, Shelley and Eddie Joanna Bell , was more than the Rabbi's secretary. She was my friend. She was a warm, perky, sweet, very intelligent,caring, and always willing to help out to make everything I was involved in , successful , ALL the Simcha Torah Luncheons, the Senior Luncheons, and the upcoming Shul Trip to Philadelphia. She was a lover of life. She told me that she would go to the beach and take walks, she ate healthy-always had interesting snacks by her desk, and was genuinely interested in all our lives and all things Jewish. She was very respectful as well. At the recent shul dinner , she looked so elegant and was so happy to be there. She went out of her way and took Eddie and me over to meet her good friend. Walking into the Shul office which I do often will never be the same without Joanna Bell. She will surely be missed. Shelley Senker
Dear Rabbi Cohen, What a week ! Full of sorrow...it is a hard one for all of us. I can not imagine how you are handling all of these events. It is really making me think and pray. I did not know Joanna that well but i decided to compose a little something in her honor. Thank you for asking. If you do go to Israel to visit the Cantor and Tehilla -- please send them our love-- i did email them and tried to call with no luck. Hopefully we will see him sometime soon. Sincerely, Shelley and Eddie Joanna Bell , was more than the Rabbi's secretary. She was my friend. She was a warm, perky, sweet, very intelligent,caring, and always willing to help out to make everything I was involved in , successful , ALL the Simcha Torah Luncheons, the Senior Luncheons, and the upcoming Shul Trip to Philadelphia. She was a lover of life. She told me that she would go to the beach and take walks, she ate healthy-always had interesting snacks by her desk, and was genuinely interested in all our lives and all things Jewish. She was very respectful as well. At the recent shul dinner , she looked so elegant and was so happy to be there. She went out of her way and took Eddie and me over to meet her good friend. Walking into the Shul office which I do often will never be the same without Joanna Bell. She will surely be missed. Shelley Senker
From: Sharon Baer
Sent: May 24, 2011 12:24 PM
Joanna was a very spirited woman. She loved when I came in to the office singing and Joanna would join in. since I always had fun with Claudette' s last name (apple), one day I came into the office and started to sing, "Apples pumpkin pie". Joanna told me I was singing it with the wrong words. She proceeded to google the , lyrics of the song by Jay and the Techniques, "Apple Peaches Pumpkin Pie". She was so happy when she found it. From then on, whenever I came into the office or called her on the phone we both would start singing , "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Piiiii, you were young and so was I-I-. There will be a tremendous void walking into the office and looking at her desk waiting for her to join me in a song. What a tragedy to have a young vibrant life cut so short. Joanna will be deeply missed. Sharyn Baer
Joanna was a very spirited woman. She loved when I came in to the office singing and Joanna would join in. since I always had fun with Claudette' s last name (apple), one day I came into the office and started to sing, "Apples pumpkin pie". Joanna told me I was singing it with the wrong words. She proceeded to google the , lyrics of the song by Jay and the Techniques, "Apple Peaches Pumpkin Pie". She was so happy when she found it. From then on, whenever I came into the office or called her on the phone we both would start singing , "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Piiiii, you were young and so was I-I-. There will be a tremendous void walking into the office and looking at her desk waiting for her to join me in a song. What a tragedy to have a young vibrant life cut so short. Joanna will be deeply missed. Sharyn Baer
From: Jfcesario
Sent: May 24, 2011 12:15 PM
Dear Rabbi Cohen, It is with great sadness that I received this news about Joanna. Just last week we were going back on forth by phone and email, arranging a nice farewell for our dear comrade, Claudette. Who would have thought that instead we would be saying goodbye to Joanna. She was a lovely person, professional, thoughtful and fun - I am sure she will be sorely missed as your right hand, and to all who interacted with her at the shul. If there is anything I can do to help out at this difficult time, please let me know. Sincerely, Jomarie
Dear Rabbi Cohen, It is with great sadness that I received this news about Joanna. Just last week we were going back on forth by phone and email, arranging a nice farewell for our dear comrade, Claudette. Who would have thought that instead we would be saying goodbye to Joanna. She was a lovely person, professional, thoughtful and fun - I am sure she will be sorely missed as your right hand, and to all who interacted with her at the shul. If there is anything I can do to help out at this difficult time, please let me know. Sincerely, Jomarie
From: Pam Vogel
Subject: Our Prayers for Joanna
Sent: May 23, 2011 9:58 PM
We were truly saddened and shocked to hear about Joanna. She has always been a source of energy and support whenever I have called CAS -- and always enthusiastic about every date, event and appointment. We will certainly keep Joanna and her family in our prayers, thoughts, and hearts. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to let us know. All our love always, Pam, Rich, Alexa and Matthew
Sent: May 23, 2011 9:58 PM
We were truly saddened and shocked to hear about Joanna. She has always been a source of energy and support whenever I have called CAS -- and always enthusiastic about every date, event and appointment. We will certainly keep Joanna and her family in our prayers, thoughts, and hearts. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to let us know. All our love always, Pam, Rich, Alexa and Matthew
From: Helene Zimmerman
Sent: May 24, 2011 11:52 AM
JoannA was like like Joan of arc. A heroine and. A special mensch. She was always eager to assist And no request didnot have a solution . She is a hard. Act to follow. All the strength to her family.
Sent from my iPhone
JoannA was like like Joan of arc. A heroine and. A special mensch. She was always eager to assist And no request didnot have a solution . She is a hard. Act to follow. All the strength to her family.
Sent from my iPhone
From: Jodie Simek
Sent: May 24, 2011 12:41 PM
What I will remember most was her laugh. Everytime we saw each other or spoke on the phone she had such an infectious laugh ... Joanna was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed. A star in the sky has lost its light with her passing.
Jodie simek
What I will remember most was her laugh. Everytime we saw each other or spoke on the phone she had such an infectious laugh ... Joanna was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed. A star in the sky has lost its light with her passing.
Jodie simek
From: Danette & Jonathan Cahr
Sent: May 24, 2011 3:08 PM
Hi Rabbi Cohen,
Tuesdays.... Even if it was cold, rainy and dreary outside, I would feel warm, sunny, and lifted "inside" as soon as I saw her smile. "Come 'mon in and have a cup of coffee." Joanna would say with the prettiest smile. She'd show me the latest lovely flower, tell me about an adventure, and then we'd talk about our common love for dance. Yoga was one of the passions that Joanna loved to speak about with me, she knew "the best places to go". She wanted to introduce these Yoga studios and their owners to me. We spoke about going together one Sunday. We'd plan out yoga, lunch and window shopping.
I feel her love, I hear her laughter and her voice, I see her smile....I will miss my friend Joanna.
Hi Rabbi Cohen,
Tuesdays.... Even if it was cold, rainy and dreary outside, I would feel warm, sunny, and lifted "inside" as soon as I saw her smile. "Come 'mon in and have a cup of coffee." Joanna would say with the prettiest smile. She'd show me the latest lovely flower, tell me about an adventure, and then we'd talk about our common love for dance. Yoga was one of the passions that Joanna loved to speak about with me, she knew "the best places to go". She wanted to introduce these Yoga studios and their owners to me. We spoke about going together one Sunday. We'd plan out yoga, lunch and window shopping.
I feel her love, I hear her laughter and her voice, I see her smile....I will miss my friend Joanna.
From Barbara and Larry Miller
We were so shocked and sad at the news of Joanna's passing. She was a kind, gentle and happy person who always had a smile on her face and was most appreciative of any little help we might have given her. We all will surely miss her and her most pleasant demeanor. Barbara and Larry Miller
From: Claudine Feurstein
Hi Rabbi Cohen,
I am shocked and sorry to hear of Joanna's passing. I dealt with her,
at most, a handful of times over theses past few years, but it was
always a pleasure. Each time, she was bubbly and so full of energy.
She handled matters so efficiently and immediately solved the problem or
issue .
Just Friday, I spoke to her about getting an extra ticket for the
Maccabeat concert for my daughter, even though it was past the
deadline. She was in the midst of making all the arrangments for the
large number of people. Even though it was so late, without hesitation,
she said she would look and call me back. Sure enough, she called
within the hour with the extra ticket. She struck me as someone who
just got things done, seemingly without much effort or fuss.
I am sure that she will be especially missed by you and those who worked
closely with her. My thoughts are with you.
Claudine Feurstein
I am shocked and sorry to hear of Joanna's passing. I dealt with her,
at most, a handful of times over theses past few years, but it was
always a pleasure. Each time, she was bubbly and so full of energy.
She handled matters so efficiently and immediately solved the problem or
issue .
Just Friday, I spoke to her about getting an extra ticket for the
Maccabeat concert for my daughter, even though it was past the
deadline. She was in the midst of making all the arrangments for the
large number of people. Even though it was so late, without hesitation,
she said she would look and call me back. Sure enough, she called
within the hour with the extra ticket. She struck me as someone who
just got things done, seemingly without much effort or fuss.
I am sure that she will be especially missed by you and those who worked
closely with her. My thoughts are with you.
Claudine Feurstein
From: Raema salmon
Dear Rabbi Cohen
It was with deep sadness that I learnt of the untimely passing of Joanna.
She was so kind and helpful to me when I was preparing for the play…..she had a special light and I know she will be sorely missed.
I send sincere condolences to the family.
With prayers
Raema salmon
From: Joseph Rubbak
Hello Rabbi,-
There are a few devastating days…
Few words for tomorrow service-
Joanna Bell was highly professional and dedicated to her work. In the same time she was compassionate, easy going person. It was a fun to work with her.
Joanna was a real baby-boomer and Peter Pen type person who wanted to stay and act as young forever.
We have common passions for photography and scooters riding. We always share our new photographs. Just recently we spoke about Joanna's antic moped which she bought and planned to restore and ride this summer....Unfortunately, not all her plans have been accomplished… I feel that Joanna's death took a part of us....
We have common passions for photography and scooters riding. We always share our new photographs. Just recently we spoke about Joanna's antic moped which she bought and planned to restore and ride this summer....Unfortunately, not all her plans have been accomplished… I feel that Joanna's death took a part of us....
Joseph
From Joyce and Lawrence Haber
Sent: May 24, 2011 4:52 PM
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Joanna Bell. May G-d grant her family the strength to shoulder such a heavy burden. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Joanna.
Joyce and Lawrence Haber
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Joanna Bell. May G-d grant her family the strength to shoulder such a heavy burden. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Joanna.
Joyce and Lawrence Haber
From: Sheila Postlethwait
Hello to you, Rabbi Cohen, and your Stamford Congregation…..
This email message includes Bob Smith, Erika Lissone, and Elissa Horan, whom I have included as "cc'ed".
Of course I do not speak for Bob, Erika, and Elissa personally, and if they want to add to this, this would be wonderful!
We all know Joanna in the same way for so many years of our lives.
I would like to "construct" my memories of Joanna in a way, that is a "word association" game.
The word(s) is "Joanna Bell".
My answers are as follows…..Yes the "game" is supposed to be responded by a single answer/word, but I guess I am breaking the rules! I put this list in no particular order of importance/priority.
· Non-stop Giving of her love, time, and gifts for others, with nothing ever expected in return
· Non-stop making others as a priority before her own (see above!!!)
· An appreciation of what is beautiful, and teaching/showing others what beautiful things are to be appreciated
· A welcoming smile and laughs
· Talent for organization
· "Scary Smart"…not being "scary", just being awesome in her intellect…
· Being a "sincere" best friend to others in her assistance and her practice of being "discreet" for other's needs and life circumstances
· Fabulous Taste in style and practices……I said to Bob, "How do I look for Joanna's Memorial Service?" He said "Wear this and do not wear that, as Joanna would/would not APPROVE.". She would say "Let me see what you are wearing!!!!" She gave the world a "sense of style". Ha!!!!
· Knowing how much she rejoiced in her work/contributions for/toward your Congregation
· Knowing how much a blessed/whole part of what Joanna has created, for so many people's lives
· Being in comfort of Joanna's final hours, without her suffering, knowing that she was going to donate organs, for the continuing life of others
· Knowing that Joanna's life ended with her satisfaction of who she "was for herself, but always improving", and then demonstrating/reaching out to others for their benefit, as she believed God wanted of her
Ah, what a deserved list!
With best wishes and thanks, to you and your Congregation.
Shalom,
Sheila Postlethwait
Friday, June 3, 2011
From Yona
For my friend Joanna~
I left last Shabbat on cloud nine. It was such a perfect weekend; it was everything that I had hoped for for the Youth Shabbat at CAS. The Maccabeats were awesome, every detail was tended to with such love and care, and there were so many people that helped to make the weekend such a success. To all of you I am so very grateful......
Sadly the great joy I that I felt coming off of such a special Shabbat turned to heartbreak when I heard about the passing of my friend Joanna Bell. I have spent all week trying to wrap my mind around what happened, but it always ends in sadness and uncertainty. It is so very hard for me to understand how I could be standing and laughing with Joanna just last Friday and on Tuesday she was no longer with us. I went into the shul office several times this week and I thought to myself that this tragedy did not really happen, and the next time I walk into the shul office Joanna will be sitting at her desk, and when she sees me walk in she will whip out those delicious little chocolates she always had stashed in her desk, and we will eat chocolate and laugh, and then she will give me a very serious look and tell me "that I better email her my youth blast by Wednesday this week." And then she'll laugh and tell me that she reorganized all of my stuff once again and I will tell her that she is the most organized person I know. And in my mind that makes sense, because looking at Joanna's empty desk and thinking about what has happened makes no sense to me at all.
As I sit by my computer and wait for Joanna's email reminding me about my youth blast I feel an ache in my heart because I know that it is not coming. But when I think about Joanna only the most happy and wonderful memories fill my mind. I feel very privileged to have known Joanna. She was the epitome of goodness, and warmth, and love. Coming into the shul office for me never felt like coming into work because Joanna was there. She would hold my babies, and take pictures of them, and then email me the pictures with cute little captions. We always shared some great snack that Joanna had brought in, and then we would talk about the youth program and she would give me all of these great ideas, and then she would just smile. Joanna loved music and she was always singing. When I wrote that silly song last week as a spoof on the Maccabeats song asking that people please RSVP to the event, of course I sang it to Joanna, and asked her opinion. She was so excited about it that she wanted to do a recording and have it on a pod cast. She said that I should write a song for the next youth event. I told her we could write it together, and she said "you bet!"
The truth is that I could write pages and pages about Joanna, how special and loved she was by everyone who knew her. How she treated every program, every event, every detail, every Shabbat and holiday preparation at our shul as if it was her own. She has helped me in so many ways, and helped to make the youth program at our shul so much of what it is, and to her I am so grateful.
Joanna...how do I end this letter? How do I say goodbye? I really don't know how to... Instead I will plant Marigolds this spring as I know that you love Marigolds. I will look up at the clear blue sky and think of your beautiful blue eyes and how they would shine when you smiled. And I will live life to the fullest...because that is what you believed in...and when that next youth event comes around I will write a song and know that we have really written it together.
Love, Yona
I left last Shabbat on cloud nine. It was such a perfect weekend; it was everything that I had hoped for for the Youth Shabbat at CAS. The Maccabeats were awesome, every detail was tended to with such love and care, and there were so many people that helped to make the weekend such a success. To all of you I am so very grateful......
Sadly the great joy I that I felt coming off of such a special Shabbat turned to heartbreak when I heard about the passing of my friend Joanna Bell. I have spent all week trying to wrap my mind around what happened, but it always ends in sadness and uncertainty. It is so very hard for me to understand how I could be standing and laughing with Joanna just last Friday and on Tuesday she was no longer with us. I went into the shul office several times this week and I thought to myself that this tragedy did not really happen, and the next time I walk into the shul office Joanna will be sitting at her desk, and when she sees me walk in she will whip out those delicious little chocolates she always had stashed in her desk, and we will eat chocolate and laugh, and then she will give me a very serious look and tell me "that I better email her my youth blast by Wednesday this week." And then she'll laugh and tell me that she reorganized all of my stuff once again and I will tell her that she is the most organized person I know. And in my mind that makes sense, because looking at Joanna's empty desk and thinking about what has happened makes no sense to me at all.
As I sit by my computer and wait for Joanna's email reminding me about my youth blast I feel an ache in my heart because I know that it is not coming. But when I think about Joanna only the most happy and wonderful memories fill my mind. I feel very privileged to have known Joanna. She was the epitome of goodness, and warmth, and love. Coming into the shul office for me never felt like coming into work because Joanna was there. She would hold my babies, and take pictures of them, and then email me the pictures with cute little captions. We always shared some great snack that Joanna had brought in, and then we would talk about the youth program and she would give me all of these great ideas, and then she would just smile. Joanna loved music and she was always singing. When I wrote that silly song last week as a spoof on the Maccabeats song asking that people please RSVP to the event, of course I sang it to Joanna, and asked her opinion. She was so excited about it that she wanted to do a recording and have it on a pod cast. She said that I should write a song for the next youth event. I told her we could write it together, and she said "you bet!"
The truth is that I could write pages and pages about Joanna, how special and loved she was by everyone who knew her. How she treated every program, every event, every detail, every Shabbat and holiday preparation at our shul as if it was her own. She has helped me in so many ways, and helped to make the youth program at our shul so much of what it is, and to her I am so grateful.
Joanna...how do I end this letter? How do I say goodbye? I really don't know how to... Instead I will plant Marigolds this spring as I know that you love Marigolds. I will look up at the clear blue sky and think of your beautiful blue eyes and how they would shine when you smiled. And I will live life to the fullest...because that is what you believed in...and when that next youth event comes around I will write a song and know that we have really written it together.
Love, Yona
Thursday, June 2, 2011
From Alice
Joanna's devotion and dedication to her job was remarkable and admired as she took each program and tasks that came along with it with such pride and joy. She gave her all to whomever needed her and with our growing congregation came growing programs as well. Whenever she would call for some volunteers - her appreciation and gratitude was as sincere for the smallest as well as for the large tasks. When I would come into the shul office with my boys she would greet us with her warm smile and always spoil them with treats.
She will be greatly missed!!
She will be greatly missed!!
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