Joyce Deveau Kennedy

Joyce was such a fixture in the Melville Society that I assumed she would always be there, contributing scholarship, bringing a keen vision to conferences, and, on the few times I was fortunate enough to chat with her, sharing a trenchant sense of humor that Melville himself would have appreciated. Those of us in the Society who knew her are grieved by this loss and wish Fred strength and courage in the coming years.

Joyce and I became family when my daughter Suzanne married Simon. She was a truly special person and I was privileged to know her. Fred, I know what a difficult time this must be for you and how much you will miss her. I will be in contact with you to share more in the future. My love, thoughts and condolences to you and the rest of your family.

I met Joyce at the wedding of my sister Suzanne to Simon. I was struck by her warmth and ability to make each person she encountered feel special. I know you all will miss her very much. My thoughts and condolences to all of you

In September 1963, just arrived for a stint of graduate study at the University of Delaware, I rented a room in the same house where Joyce Deveau was also a roomer. She had just completed her M.A. in English--in a mere nine months--and was beginning work on Ph.D. Satisfying all the degree requirements insuch a short time had left her with a severe case of anemia, but she remained upbeat and in good spirits and quickly included me in her circle of friends. A group of us--organized by Joyce, of course--ate brunch together every Sunday. Sometimes, too, we went to dinner at places that, to a Kansas girl like me, seemed exotic. Directly or indirectly, I met my husband through Joyce. What is more, I claim the honor of noticing a quiet but good-looking fellow attending Mass at the Newman center, Fred Kennedy, and of first drawing Joyce's attention to him.

My nine months in pursuit of an M.A. in Spanish proved one of the most challenging periods of my life, but Joyce's warm friendship helped make that intense (and ultimately successful) experience almost enjoyable, certainly memorable. She made a difference in my life at that time, and we formed a lasting friendship. I mourn her passing.

Alicia Cooke Kime

Joyce was my Children's Literature professor at Mount St. Vincent in 1978. Her curriculum was fascinating and she always took the time to connect with individuals in the class. Her class was one of the best I ever took, and I am grateful for the interest in children's authors she sparked in me.
My sympathy to all her family members at this difficult time.

I was so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. During our years at MSVU we worked together on many different phases of her projects. She will definitely always be rermembered for the wonderful and kind works which she accomplished.

Sandra Hiltz

Dinner time at the Kennedy's was my favorite time during university. Thank you Joyce for welcoming me into your home and being a mom-away-from-home. Your kindness and generosity will be forever remembered.

I don't know what to say because no words can say better. You are a mother to me. The first time I came to Canada from Tanzania, I was very scared but you and your family took me in as your own. You advised me even if I never listened, you were very understanding and I never felt any different that you your not my mom. I just don't know what to say, I will miss you so much. Thanks for helping me to be the strong woman I am today. I will speak to you everyday, i know you will hear everything. You are the best.

Quite aside from the personal qualities that made anyone richer for knowing them. Joyce and Fred will be remembered together as the most imaginative and most industrious team ever to search the archives for new light on Herman Melville. Joyce herself is the heroine of the ending of the preface to my MELVILLE BIOGRAPHY: AN INSIDE NARRATIVE, just out. How I looked forward to her reading what I said of her there, and elsewhere of her and Fred! But she knew that her stature as a Melville scholar, like that of Fred, was high and enduring. Now I have decided to remember her as she was on two occasions, first in 1991 when, turning in her chair in an auditorium, she told Maurice Sendak he should illustrate PIERRE and second on 19 November 2002 when she and I watched the Leonid showers together at 2 in the morning from the south balcony here in Morro Bay. She was always game for an adventure.

Joyce's lifelong passion for adult learning was evident in all that she touched. We, Atlantic Provinces Association for Continuing University Education, are so proud to honour, annually, two very deserving mature students with an Adult Learner Award that bears her name. Her spirit and passion for living, learning, and loving will live on in this legacy. We will miss you Joyce.

Joyce had a passion for life, for learning and for others. She was always an advocate, both assisting others and speaking out about injustice. Her intense commitment inspired many to seek further education, to work for justice and to challenge existing norms and practices. Her life inspired many and will live on through the work of those she has touched.

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Dr Kennedy was instrumental in my success. She was kind, compassionate, resourceful and completely unselfish. She was insightful and intuitive. She believed in me at a time when I was sceptical. I was honoured to receive the award named in her honour the year before her name was placed upon it. For this, I have thought of her often and give thanks. J.E.B.

I met Joyce at Mt.St. Vincent University We became friends.I called on her for advice many times.She shared with me her many accomplishments.I kept in touch with Joyce throughout the years and she always had a kind word and encouragement.In the last couple of years she took me out to lunch for my birthday.Those lunches were special.I will miss my good friend Joyce Deborah Mac Donald

Joyce was a force of nature - bright, funny, and totally engaged in Life. We value her friendship, and boy, could she cook! We always enjoyed stimulating and challenging conversations with Joyce. We are blessed to have known her. Suellen and Michael Bradfield

In the 1980s Joyce gave me the best advice of my life - and directed me into my first two business courses at MSVU. I am sure there are countless others who received her wise counsel and guidance and I will say thank you on behalf of all of us who have been able to discover and expore our passions because of her.
Sandi Findlay-Thompson

When I met Joyce, as a fellow graduate student in 1963, I found her to be inquisitive, hard-working, sociable, and utterly genuine--easy to like and easy to admire. She had many friends, and some of us called her "Joycer." Then and afterward, she approached every aspect of her life with a cheerful, clear-eyed spirit, determined to do the best she could. Not only for her many successes but for the bright, unflagging spirit that helped make them possible, I honor her memory. -- Wayne Kime

Universities are build upon foundation stones put in place by individuals like Joyce. Mount St. Vincent was truly fortunate to have had her as a part of their community of learners. Today, all who have been associated with this university, are poorer for her loss.

Brian Mac Donald
Halifax

I worked with Joyce in the Centre for Continuing Education at MSVU. I remember her fondly as a person who had a unique way of making you feel great about yourself. Rest in peace, Joyce.

I remember Joyce from the Mount in the late '80's. She was a wonderful person and I will think of her fondly always. Thank you Joyce for all the inspiration you gave to me, and well, all of us who knew you.

A devoted mom and exceptional person, Joyce was the anchor of an extraordinary family. You didn't need long in her presence to appreciate that you were spending time with someone special. My thoughts, love and condolences to the Kennedys.

We have so many happy memories of knowing Joyce. She was a joy to work with at MSVU especially in her role as Continuing Education Director; you could stop by her office anytime. She was a great supporter of Seton Cantata Choir, rarely missing a concert. Our condolences to Joyce's family.