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Nita Collins's avatar

Funny…I was thinking of Amy this morning and the ran across this post. I never met her but loved (love) her anyway. ♥️

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Oh, this is so lovely. Amy would laugh at the coincidence!

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Barbara Boyle's avatar

Touching and inspiring, Joan, especially to a newbie like me. And I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have known her. I will get acquainted through her books...

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

I think somewhere Amy's grinning at your last sentence!

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Cari Sandifer's avatar

Beautifully written, Joan. I did not know Amy, but she sounds like an amazing person. Her books look very interesting, and I’m glad that her words can live on.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thank you, Cari!

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Karen Meade's avatar

Thank you so much for your lovely tribute to my cousin Amy. The service yesterday was so meaningful as family and friends gathered to honor her life. Amy was extraordinary and a true woman of valor whose memory will always be a blessing.

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Karen Meade's avatar

Thank you so much for your lovely tribute to my cousin Amy. The service yesterday was so meaningful as family and friends gathered to honor her life. Amy was extraordinary and a true woman of valor whose memory will always be a blessing.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Oh, Karen. I wish I could have introduced myself to you. My author friend Nancy and I attended the funeral. It was deeply touching.

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Mary Chris Escobar's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this, Joan. I didn't know Amy well, but had the chance to meet her briefly through a local writing conference (James River Writers, in Richmond VA) and she very kindly donated a copy of her book The Good Neighbor to a giveaway I was doing at the time. She took the time to comment on a post I wrote about the book and even shared the post in her own newsletter. I was a newbie writer and the way she treated me really made me feel welcome and valued in the space. An example indeed. So sorry for this loss and grateful for the legacy of kindness she leaves.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Love that "legacy of kindness" - so true!

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Christine Wenzel's avatar

I'm sorry to hear about Amy's passing. I remember her book being one we talked about in our group and her attendance. Your tribute to Amy is beautiful and heartfelt.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thank you, Chris.

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Lya Badgley's avatar

Lovely. I, too, am dealing with neurological related balance issues so your tribute is particularly meaningful...

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Oh gosh, Lya. I wish you the VERY BEST in health and progress.

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N.J. (Nancy) Mastro's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss and the loss of so many. I didn't know Amy, and based on your comments, I am sorry I did not. Wishing you peace.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thank you, Nancy

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Lorraine Norwood's avatar

Thank you, Joan. This was a beautiful tribute to Amy. I didn't know Amy as well as you, but early on in my new WFWA days, she helped me when I needed it. She had a remarkable ability to deliver tough love in a nice way. I'm truly sorry we never got to meet in person.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

That's a great way to put it: "deliver tough love in a nice way." Because she respected us enough to not beat around the bush and still be supportive.

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Susan Setteducato's avatar

Thank you, Joan. I'm sorry for your loss and for the loss to the greater reading and writing ecosystem. It's a beautiful tribute.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Love the way you put that, Susan!

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Gabi Coatsworth's avatar

I met Amy through a friend in WFWA and knew immediately she was a woman of remarkable strength. Not physical, by then, since her rare form of Parkinson’s was taking that away, but mentally resilient. Even after her apartment building burned to the ground, once she knew her cat Riggins was safe, she was able to keep going. I never met her in person - I wish I had. But her distinctive voice, though eventually impaired by her illness, still lived and will live on in her warm, witty novels…

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

So lovely. Thank you Gabi.

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Jan's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to Amy. I didn't know her but sure wish I had. Thanks for sharing your own grief-tinged joy over knowing and losing her here, Joan.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

xo Jan

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Linda Rosen's avatar

This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I only knew Amy from a few afternoon WFWA writing dates and wish I had met her earlier. Her books, all wonderful, will live on but more importantly she will live on in all of us who knew her, no matter how long or how well.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you, Linda.

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Dan Blank's avatar

My goodness, I hadn't heard! Thank you for this lovely tribute.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thanks Dan

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