Joanne Desky

October 22, 1963 - March 10, 2018

Joanne Desky passed away at the age of 54 on March 10, 2018, after a difficult and brave battle. Her courage and strength never wavered. The love she had for her family and friends never faltered. “We have a live one,” the obstetrician proclaimed when Joanne came into the world on October 22, 1963. Born and raised in South Florida, Joanne immediately revealed a zest for life. She was an independent spirit and took that energy with her everywhere. Whether it was poolside in her family home in Hollywood Hills, Florida, in the Winnebago on camping adventures, or on the ping pong table, Joanne’s enthusiasm was contagious. Hanging out with high school friends and developing lasting and meaningful relationships were part of who she was. Joanne took her vivacious energy with her when she enrolled at the University of Florida. At the University, her passion for social justice became apparent. She ventured to Washington DC where she began her lifelong journey as an advocate for the disenfranchised, whether it be working for PETA and animal rights or marching on the National Mall for human and civil rights. In describing her next move, Joanne once stated with pride and humor, “I am the only person who leaves Washington DC and moves to Arizona for a masters in Public Policy.” And yet, Joanne, who always did the unexpected, did just that. In Tucson she earned her Masters and did so much more. There she met devoted friends that she held dear throughout her life. Most significantly, it was in Tucson that Joanne met the love of her life, Sue. The next phase of Joanne’s life was with Sue – they were a self-described eclectic couple, combining the traditions and culture of a Jewish and Catholic heritage and spicing it up with a feminist spirituality. Their commitment to each other was deeply rooted in love; their shared vow “come dance with me in the good times and the bad” inscribed on their golden commitment bands was everlasting. Their life together brought them westward and they settled in Oregon, a vast land of trees and rivers – whether kayaking upon the Willamette or meandering through the pines – nature brought Joanne great pleasure and with Sue by her side they established West Linn as their home. Her advocacy for those less fortunate was fulfilled with her career as a policy analyst with Clackamas County where she worked tirelessly for the homeless. She marched, she rallied, she engaged co-workers and friends in spirited and soulful discussions. Her heart was large and her giving was great. It was at this time that Joanne met the second love her life, her daughter Kylee. Despite the love she had for her work, her friends, her family... Joanne craved to give that love to a little girl and when Kylee came into her life she did just that. Joanne was the fun and adventurous parent. Kylee has said, “she taught me to hike, to kayak, to play and to laugh.” Joanne loved her daughter with all her heart. At Joanne’s 50th birthday celebration, with a twinkle in her eye, she described her life up until that point, and despite being diagnosed with lymphoma two days prior, she rejoiced with her friends and family at both the life she had led, and her future years. Little did she know how challenging the next few years would be. But, it was in those years that many of those who knew her were inspired by her courage and optimism. We will all miss Joanne’s deep and soulful conversations, her zest and passion for seizing the most out of each day. You were a gift to all of us and we will share the gifts you gave us with others.