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Joyce Elbrecht Obituary
Joyce Fondren Elbrecht, 86, died in her sleep on January 25 from complications from a 2011 stroke. She was born May 2, 1927 at her grandmother's house in Adaton, MS and lived her childhood years in the Mississippi delta. She graduated with a BA in English from Bennington College in 1948 and married William Frederick Elbrecht that same year. After graduate study in English at the University of Chicago, the couple transferred to the University of Minnesota and later to Tulane University in New Orleans. There, her two "lovable and loving daughters" were born and spent their childhood years: Leah A. Kelly of Plantation, FL and Celia H. Elbrecht, MD of Ithaca. When their daughters reached kindergarten age, the couple returned to graduate school at Tulane, where both switched majors, he to physics and she to philosophy. Joyce obtained a MA and a PhD in philosophy in 1967 and moved with her family to Ithaca to take a job in Ithaca College's Department of Philosophy, where she taught until her retirement in 1984. Her husband predeceased her in 1976. After retirement she concentrated her study on theories of psychotherapy and wrote two novels in collaboration with her longtime partner, Lydia E. Fakundiny, who predeceased her in March 2013. She is survived by her daughters, Leah and Celia; her much-loved friend and sister, Marj Fondren Haydon of Bellaire, FL; her attentive brother, E. Louis Fondren, Jr. of Pascagoula, MS; and her favorite son-in-law, Tim Kelly, Leah's husband. She will be much missed by her family. She will be remembered for her brilliant mind, her aesthetic aptitude, her amazing wit, her beauty, her creativity in multiple formats, and her beautiful smile. There will be no public services, at Joyce's request. Friends and relatives are asked to remember her in private and, in lieu of flowers, make donations to organizations working for the right-to-die option, such as Final Exit or Compassion & Choices, both of which she supported during her adult life, or to a cause of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Elbrecht
Lia DiBello Ph.D.
November 18, 2014
I decided to look up Joyce again after reading her book. I a filled with regret and sadness. I was one of her many students and my own research in cognitive science has been significantly influenced by my classes and private conversations with her. Likely I would never have achieved what I have without her insights. I am very sorry I didn't stay in touch with her and acknowledge her impact. I think of her nearly every week.
February 4, 2014
Joyce, you will always be in our loving
memories. Your brother, Louis Fondren.
Linda Irving
February 4, 2014
Dr ELBRECHT! I am so saddened to learn of her passing ! I took every philosophy class she offered. My life, my thinking, the depth of thinking she taught us was life altering! I've lived my life with all the knowledge she taught us! I was her student from 1967-1971! Linda Stern Reilly Irving
Louis Pushkin
February 3, 2014
I am profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of my Professor of Philosophy,Dr.Joyce Elbrecht.As a member of the Class of 1972 at Ithaca College, I vividly recall Dr.Elbrecht as a brilliant teacher,a wonderful person,and a true visionary. She will surely be missed.
January 28, 2014
Dear Celia and Leah,
Your mother was an extraordinary woman and teacher who had a great impact on me as a young man. I was a student of hers at IC in 1970-71. I last saw her in 1977–though I have thought of her and of her wise teaching often ever since. I recall her speaking so fondly of both of you. My heart reaches out to yours in your hours of sorrow.
Stuart Frolick, Los Angeles
Linda Myers
January 28, 2014
Dear family members of Joyce,
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Joyce through her partner, Lydia Fakundiny, a former writing teacher, and friend, of mine. I found Joyce to be one of the most interesting people I have known, and a fine human being as well.
Yours in sympathy,
Linda Myers
[email protected]
Cynthia Fulkerson (Vallee)
January 28, 2014
Celia and Leah,
Condolences on your less. Your mom was an incredibly brilliant woman, and I'm certain her writings will be valuable to students and scholars for years to come.
Fondly,
Cindy
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