My family and I have had the good fortune and pleasure of knowing and associating with Diddy Joyce and her family ever since my twin sister and I shared a classroom at Saint Bede with her daughter, Maureen. Through my college years at Dayton, and my 20 year military career, every year, by hook or crook, I managed to return to Pittsburgh every December to fulfill my personal goal to decorate the family house for Christmas. While there, I would often walk my dog with Colleen, Maureen's younger sister, and her dogs. Maureen also thoughtfully stopped by to visit if she caught me decorating the outside of our house.

To this day, I have two 'have to's' when I go to Pittsburgh. First, a pizza at Mineo's, and second, a visit to the Joyce house to (then) visit with Mrs. Joyce and Michael.

Mrs. Joyce was the epitome of a Pittsburgh mother and grandmother. Simple, honest, no pretense. She lived life on her terms. It was impossible to be in her presence and not feel totally at ease and warmly comfortable, as if you were amongst your own family. I very much enjoyed sharing a slice and watching a Pirate or Steeler game with her and Michael.

The hardships she endured as a mother would have gotten the better of almost any mother, but through it all she remained stoic and a rock. I marveled at how she did it.

Her family and the rest of us were very lucky to have her for as long as we did. How much better a country and world this would be if it had many more Diddy Joyce's in it.

I enjoyed speaking with her; I enjoyed visiting with her; I enjoyed just sitting on her porch being in her presence. There is solace knowing her departure was relatively peaceful.

Pittsburgh just won't be the same.

I am missing her.

Joel