I was sad to learn of Dr. Zonana's passing but happy to read such kind and lovely words about her here. Dr. Zonana was my Victorian Lit professor and a mentor at University of New Orleans in the early 1990s. Her classes reflected what I thought were high expectations she was sure everyone could achieve and she always made me want to do better and learn more. I'm not surprised to see that she was inspiring someone to express themselves so beautifully right up until the end. I was glad to be able to see her when she came back to the city for a book reading at Octavia Books and love my signed copy of Dream Homes. Thank you for your words.
How lovely, Ange. Thank you for commenting. I saw her husband yesterday for a visit, to see how he was doing, and it so nice to spend time with him. I wish Joyce had been my teacher. She was supportive of my writing. I didn't get to share a lot with her, because we met when she was not doing so well anymore. But she radiated love and she was interested in people and beauty. I'm sad I didn't know her for very long, but I was able to experience her gifts. And I have her beautiful memoir, and will read it again. I hope you're writing here too, and if you'd like to see some of the things I do here, check out my story slam, Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam! It's an online feminist storytelling event. Every month, and if you write on Substack (and I see you do!) you're welcome to come tell a story. If you're interested, DM me. And be well. xo
Thank you so much for sharing this. Professor Zonana was my teacher at City College 16years ago. One of my favorite English teachers there. I learned so much from her about writing. She inspired me as an older student whose desire was to obtain her college degree. I still have the book she wrote which is autographed by her. The sentiments she wrote to me on the inside cover still holds in my heart. It’s funny I was just thinking about her and decided to do a search tonight to see what she was up too. I knew she had retired from teaching but knew nothing else. I am so tearfully saddened by this news. I admired her so much, her dedication to her students was top notch and unfailing. I too wished I could have been a personal friend of hers. Her wisdom and expertise in her craftsmanship was to be celebrated. Professor Joyce Zonana you made an impact in my live, we were close in age when you were my teacher. Because of your belief in me, I graduated and became a mentor, English tutor to high school students. I am sorry to hear of your passing, but I guess all I can say is Well Done. You leave behind so much writings, that you will never be forgotten. RIP a loyal fan and spiritual friend. Godspeed❤️
Bernice, thank you so much for this. I know how a great teacher stays with a person forever. They occupy a space no one else can. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the teachers who gave me their best, saw me and the things about me that were special at various tender ages. I forwarded your dear comment to Joyce's husband. I'm sure it will be lovingly received. And thank you for reaching out and adding your Joyce (Professor Zonana) story to the mix. All the best to you, always. xo
Hi Nan, thanks for this lovely piece. Joyce and I met around 1967-8 when we worked in the Brooklyn Public Library. We hung out for a few years then wrote letters after we both moved away. When I visited her in Philadelphia, she was very proud of a desk Victor gave her and said she never thought she'd have a desk that beautiful. RIP, beautiful Joyce.
Wow, Anmarie, thank you so much for this comment. I'm so glad you knew Joyce and that you shared your memories here. I met Victor one day when I was visiting. He, like Joyce, is quite accomplished and lovely. Be well. xo
Thank you for this beautiful piece about Joyce. I was one of her graduate students in the early 1990s at the University of New Orleans. You can imagine what an experience that was. As a professor, she was challenging, enticing, and unforgettable. I was able to see her when she did a reading of *Dream Homes" at the University of New Orleans. She signed my copy and I was able to thank her for all that I learned from her. Her memory will always be a blessing!
I wish I knew your first name so I could thank you more personally. The person you describe is the person I imagine Joyce to be. I only know her in her illness, but she shines through. Being able to read Dream Homes while getting to know her a little bit surely helped, and then of course, being able to witness the love coming from others who've known her so much longer was wonderful. I'm so happy that you hold such warm memories of your experience as her student. Our teachers make such a difference in our lives, don't they? Your comment here means so much to me. Her memory will always be for a blessing. Be well, friend of Joyce Zonana!
I just started reading her memoir after reading this beautiful living / loving eulogy. She does write so well! Thank you for sharing Joyce with us all!
A beautiful tribute to Joyce - but I think too how you have enriched her life, by wring this memoir and by connecting so deeply with her at a time when others might have shied away. If only time was limitless…
Thanks, Barbara. I wrote this, as a gift for the many people who've loved her. And as a reflection on how we can connect to magnificent people if only for a short time. She made an impact on me, and so many others. xo
A very lovely person. I'm going to see her this afternoon. Life is full of opportunities. When I say no to things, there's a good possibility I might close the door on something marvelous. xo
Thank you Nan for seeing and truly “getting” my beloved sister Joyce. You write beautifully. I feel you’ve brought Joyce to life for many who will never meet her. Many thanks.
Oh, Victor, thank you. It was my intention to also provide this story to the people you do know her and do love her. I'm so glad you liked it. Hope to see you soon and say hi.
Wow. Thank you, Chris. What a wonderful thing to hear from you. It was one of those essays that just poured out of me. Sending love and gratitude to you, my dear friend. xo
Thanks, Ann. She's not reading anymore. I read it to her the other day, and maybe Mike played it for her, too. She's a special human. I wrote this for her, but I think on some level, I was writing it for all the people in her world who love her, and will miss her when she leaves. xo
I'm glad it holds meaning for you, I figured it might. Joyce is beautiful and so well taken care of by so many. You know what I mean. And thank you so much for becoming a subscriber. I hope you'll read more. Thank you for that gift and sending love and appreciation for everything you do. xo
A beautiful eulogy for a memorable woman. There is no fairness in losing those dear to us. She has such a vibrant smile and, clearly, a mind to match. How all who know her must already be grieving the loss.
I hope her writings and your budding friendship will serve to mentor you in some small way in the days ahead. Hugs, Nan.
Thank you, Elizabeth. Your comment is so lovely. A lot of people love her. That’s very clear from the stories I’ve heard. It’s been also nice to get to know Mike. We talk in her room and he loves her so much. He’s been an exemplary caregiver. Very devoted. Hugs back to you. xo
I was sad to learn of Dr. Zonana's passing but happy to read such kind and lovely words about her here. Dr. Zonana was my Victorian Lit professor and a mentor at University of New Orleans in the early 1990s. Her classes reflected what I thought were high expectations she was sure everyone could achieve and she always made me want to do better and learn more. I'm not surprised to see that she was inspiring someone to express themselves so beautifully right up until the end. I was glad to be able to see her when she came back to the city for a book reading at Octavia Books and love my signed copy of Dream Homes. Thank you for your words.
How lovely, Ange. Thank you for commenting. I saw her husband yesterday for a visit, to see how he was doing, and it so nice to spend time with him. I wish Joyce had been my teacher. She was supportive of my writing. I didn't get to share a lot with her, because we met when she was not doing so well anymore. But she radiated love and she was interested in people and beauty. I'm sad I didn't know her for very long, but I was able to experience her gifts. And I have her beautiful memoir, and will read it again. I hope you're writing here too, and if you'd like to see some of the things I do here, check out my story slam, Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam! It's an online feminist storytelling event. Every month, and if you write on Substack (and I see you do!) you're welcome to come tell a story. If you're interested, DM me. And be well. xo
Thank you so much for sharing this. Professor Zonana was my teacher at City College 16years ago. One of my favorite English teachers there. I learned so much from her about writing. She inspired me as an older student whose desire was to obtain her college degree. I still have the book she wrote which is autographed by her. The sentiments she wrote to me on the inside cover still holds in my heart. It’s funny I was just thinking about her and decided to do a search tonight to see what she was up too. I knew she had retired from teaching but knew nothing else. I am so tearfully saddened by this news. I admired her so much, her dedication to her students was top notch and unfailing. I too wished I could have been a personal friend of hers. Her wisdom and expertise in her craftsmanship was to be celebrated. Professor Joyce Zonana you made an impact in my live, we were close in age when you were my teacher. Because of your belief in me, I graduated and became a mentor, English tutor to high school students. I am sorry to hear of your passing, but I guess all I can say is Well Done. You leave behind so much writings, that you will never be forgotten. RIP a loyal fan and spiritual friend. Godspeed❤️
Bernice, thank you so much for this. I know how a great teacher stays with a person forever. They occupy a space no one else can. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the teachers who gave me their best, saw me and the things about me that were special at various tender ages. I forwarded your dear comment to Joyce's husband. I'm sure it will be lovingly received. And thank you for reaching out and adding your Joyce (Professor Zonana) story to the mix. All the best to you, always. xo
Hi Nan, thanks for this lovely piece. Joyce and I met around 1967-8 when we worked in the Brooklyn Public Library. We hung out for a few years then wrote letters after we both moved away. When I visited her in Philadelphia, she was very proud of a desk Victor gave her and said she never thought she'd have a desk that beautiful. RIP, beautiful Joyce.
Wow, Anmarie, thank you so much for this comment. I'm so glad you knew Joyce and that you shared your memories here. I met Victor one day when I was visiting. He, like Joyce, is quite accomplished and lovely. Be well. xo
Thank you for this beautiful piece about Joyce. I was one of her graduate students in the early 1990s at the University of New Orleans. You can imagine what an experience that was. As a professor, she was challenging, enticing, and unforgettable. I was able to see her when she did a reading of *Dream Homes" at the University of New Orleans. She signed my copy and I was able to thank her for all that I learned from her. Her memory will always be a blessing!
I wish I knew your first name so I could thank you more personally. The person you describe is the person I imagine Joyce to be. I only know her in her illness, but she shines through. Being able to read Dream Homes while getting to know her a little bit surely helped, and then of course, being able to witness the love coming from others who've known her so much longer was wonderful. I'm so happy that you hold such warm memories of your experience as her student. Our teachers make such a difference in our lives, don't they? Your comment here means so much to me. Her memory will always be for a blessing. Be well, friend of Joyce Zonana!
Nan, my name is Lisa.
Hi Lisa, it's lovely to meet you. Thank you for reading the essay. xo
I just started reading her memoir after reading this beautiful living / loving eulogy. She does write so well! Thank you for sharing Joyce with us all!
I’m thrilled the library has it! That’s even better. Thanks for letting me know. xo
You got her book? Oh, Audrey. How beautiful. I tell her today. I’m going to see her in a little while. Thank you, my friend! xo
Well, tbh I borrowed it from the library 📚:). It’s so special! Thanks for the tip! And if she’s awake then definitely send her my love!😍
A beautiful tribute to Joyce - but I think too how you have enriched her life, by wring this memoir and by connecting so deeply with her at a time when others might have shied away. If only time was limitless…
Thanks, Barbara. I wrote this, as a gift for the many people who've loved her. And as a reflection on how we can connect to magnificent people if only for a short time. She made an impact on me, and so many others. xo
Touching tribute to a lovely person and to a heartfelt relationship - all because you took a risk and tried something new. Powerful lesson here.
A very lovely person. I'm going to see her this afternoon. Life is full of opportunities. When I say no to things, there's a good possibility I might close the door on something marvelous. xo
Beautiful tribute. I'm sure it will help her loved ones celebrate her. Hope it also helps you.
Thanks, Leslie. That was my motivation for writing about her, for sure. And it does help, immensely. xo
Thank you Nan for seeing and truly “getting” my beloved sister Joyce. You write beautifully. I feel you’ve brought Joyce to life for many who will never meet her. Many thanks.
Oh, Victor, thank you. It was my intention to also provide this story to the people you do know her and do love her. I'm so glad you liked it. Hope to see you soon and say hi.
I think this is my favorite piece of yours yet, Nan. Simply beautiful.
Wow. Thank you, Chris. What a wonderful thing to hear from you. It was one of those essays that just poured out of me. Sending love and gratitude to you, my dear friend. xo
This is really special, Nan. Thank you for sharing Joyce with us. She sounds beautiful. I hope she is able to read or hear what you wrote. Xx
Thanks, Ann. She's not reading anymore. I read it to her the other day, and maybe Mike played it for her, too. She's a special human. I wrote this for her, but I think on some level, I was writing it for all the people in her world who love her, and will miss her when she leaves. xo
Nan, this is beautiful and made me cry. You have perfectly captured so many things here. Thank you for this gift….
I'm glad it holds meaning for you, I figured it might. Joyce is beautiful and so well taken care of by so many. You know what I mean. And thank you so much for becoming a subscriber. I hope you'll read more. Thank you for that gift and sending love and appreciation for everything you do. xo
Thank you for sharing this touching tribute with us.
Thank you for reading, Sally. xo
A beautiful eulogy for a memorable woman. There is no fairness in losing those dear to us. She has such a vibrant smile and, clearly, a mind to match. How all who know her must already be grieving the loss.
I hope her writings and your budding friendship will serve to mentor you in some small way in the days ahead. Hugs, Nan.
Thank you, Elizabeth. Your comment is so lovely. A lot of people love her. That’s very clear from the stories I’ve heard. It’s been also nice to get to know Mike. We talk in her room and he loves her so much. He’s been an exemplary caregiver. Very devoted. Hugs back to you. xo
Bless him.
Yes. He’s very sweet.
A lovely rremembrance of you pouring out your heart to this lovely woman as she neared death. We can never do that enough, Nan, until the day we die.
I agree, Marilea. It's the most important thing people can say to each other. "I love you." Right? xo
I love this one Nan. It says so much about you, the amazing person you are, as much as it says about Joyce.
That's so kind, Nancy. Thank you. xo
I don't do kind. It's true.
You might not do kind, but you are kind! I know. And thank you, lovely friend. xo
Back atcha. xo