Joyce Elaine Stukenholtz

My dearest Mommy,

I am writing this to you from my heart, so it will not be perfect. You will find mistakes in spelling and grammar. Like me, not perfect but unique.

I love you, and yes, I adored my Daddy, but I think it was because you did first.

You are such a a big part of who I am, we are so close. To where I felt like your carbon copy. We have that connection that is what some would call psychic. Were we could communicate by/with our subconscious.

You are a large part of who I am. Not only genetically but emotionally and foundationally.

You are the voice in my head that tells me right from wrong. This has been a blessing and a curse, especially since I may have been a strong willed child. I realize the impact of how much I love you dictates how I behave. I always wanted to make you love me by doing the "right" thing for you. However, it felt like I was more "wrong" than right. Yet, what I caught and what you taught me during my journey, called life is;

How to survive, stand strong, be independent, be a to leader, that I wanted to be a mom, caring, efficient, and in control and so much more.

These are also the strengths you have passed down to my brother, Bill and to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

You are who I never wanted to disappoint.

You are the one I am most like. (Hurt by others but not going to let it show)

For those of you who will notice the void in her passing.

To those who knew my Mom, you too were impacted by all that she had to offer. She had good and bad days. At times I don't know how she coped, I believe those are the days she had to be the most in control.

She will be missed greatly, she loved being a teacher and friend, she was a wife, a mother, a Grandma, a Great Grandma, a caregiver, a fantastic bridge player, and did whatever she set her mind to do.

She requested there not to be a memorial or a funeral. However, please celebrate her in a way that you connected with her. Play bridge, slots at a casino, bingo, or go fishing, to list just a few of what she enjoyed. Mostly, embrace family and friends and live life to the fullest. Thanks for saying Goodbye with me.

Joyce Stukenholtz's daughter, Elaine