In Memorandum: Sr. Joyce Flowers

As many of you know, we recently said say goodbye Sr. Joyce Flowers, a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. She was one of our own, a friend, and an advocate for equality. Joyce was involved in many efforts and causes which fortunately for all of us included our own steering committee.  

Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and to those that knew her. We are thankful for all that she did, all that gave us, and we will honor her memory in the work that we do and the lives we will live. May she rest in peace and in love.

 David Veliz
Director and Lead Organizer

To see her obituary, and learn more about her life, please visit this link.
https://www.galloglyfuneralhome.com/obituary/SisterJoyce-FlowersRSM

Thoughts and words from fellow steering committee members:

“I too feel such great sadness over losing Sister Joyce - my dear friend and colleague in social justice for almost 20 years. I first met Sister Joyce at St Michael’s Church food closet where our Jewish community had committed to helping fill the shelves each month. I was thrilled when she agreed to become a member of our Interfaith Coalition…I join you all in gratitude for knowing such a special person and for her championing   issues that make it a better, more just RI. She will be missed greatly.”      -- Maxine Richman- Co-founder of the RI Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty

“I've known Sr. Joyce for many years, initially through the Good Friday walk for hunger.  She has been a tireless advocate for the poor, in RI and in Central America. She will be missed”

--Rev. Betsy  Garland

“Sister Joyce Flowers gently prompted others to become active in social services during 50 years as a Sister of Mercy and 40 years as Team Minister with St. Michael the Archangel, a multicultural, multilingual inner-city parish. A native of Belize, she returned often with friends to build houses. Sister Joyce was admired for her efforts with the Nonviolence Institute and the Black Sisters Religious Conference and was loved by thousands of individuals, families and children whom she served with patience and compassion.” -- Nondas Hurst Voll

“Sister Joyce was an inspiration.  Her commitment to making life better for poor people through direct service and advocacy for systemic change was never wavering.  I will miss her voice.”    

--Linda Katz, Economic Progress Institute

“I’m so sorry to hear of Sr. Joyce’s passing.  She was such a kind, giving person and as you said, a beautiful soul.  And an advocate of great strength.  I’ll miss seeing her and am just so glad that our paths connected” - Toby Ayers, RI Center for Justice

 
“I’m heartbroken. We have lost such a radiant soul.” -  Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser

“How heartbreaking. I didn’t know Joyce well but felt like she was always emanating true joy, grace, humility and care for others.  Sending comforting thoughts to her family, community, friends and to all she impacted in her life”. -- Stephanie Hague, The Jewish Alliance of RI

“I am so very sorry. Rest in Peace Dear Sister Joyce.  Rev. Santiago Rodriguez

“We will all miss such a gentle, dignified and wise soul. May the memories we hold bring comfort to us and inspire us to move toward the same beacon of justice that she navigated with such faithfulness”. -  Rabbi Alan Flam

“A loss for us, but glories gain.” – Rev. Donnie Anderson

“I am so deeply saddened by this news of Sr. Joyce who is now in heaven with Sr. Ann. She was one of the most giving people I have ever known. Her example of social justice had a positive impact on so many - she will continue to inspire”. -  Elizabeth burke Bryant, RI Kids Count