PERRY, Joyce

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona April 2010 Joyce Fitzwilliam Perry died April 5th, 2010, at age 63, after a nine-month battle with ovarian cancer. A committed and passionate teacher, Joyce spent over 30 years in the Paradise Valley School District in Phoenix, Arizona, teaching middle school English and Social Studies. Joyce once said, "blessings and gifts never come 'free' or for personal glory. God gives them to us to spend on others, to share, to develop and care for, to use to touch hearts, minds and to make a difference in this world." It was this awareness, this ethos that she fostered in her home, in her classroom, and in the hearts of so many who had the privilege to have known her. A former student reflected on Joyce's life as "a life well lived, of gifts shared with courage and grace, and of faith proved through adversity." As many of her former students will recall Mrs. Perry gave a lesson each year about not hiding their light under a basket but to rather "Go light your world!" Joyce is survived by her sons Dominic and Alex Perry, and four grandchildren, the youngest born just a week after her death. In a poem written by Joyce in 1972, she left us this prescient wish: "God, Let me come home to a dream of youth and happiness, The peace of well balanced people In a harmony of unselfishness. Give my children my memories and my dreams. Let them find their own golden people and let me be one of them." A memorial service will be held on May 8th at 2:00 p.m. at: Scottsdale Bible Church Chapel, 7901 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. In lieu of flowers, Joyce requested that donations be made in her name to Hospice of the Valley: http://www.hov.org/donations.aspx This not-for-profit organization provided dignity and compassionate care for Joyce in her final weeks, and has a genuine commitment to providing excellent care for the dying.