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