I, Joyce Wisnewski, wrote my own obituary because it was my last chance to have my say. I was born in 1940 to Fred J. and Hilda C. Fumia in Rochester, New York. I had an older sister, Carol F. Gray, who died in 2024 and have a living younger brother, Fred D. Fumia. I was formally educated at The Harley School (class of 1957) and Mount Holyoke College (class of 1961). I worked as a textbook development editor at Prentice-Hall Publishers in New Jersey, where I lived for 30 years.

In 1962 I married Richard Perkins (deceased), the father of my treasured sons Christopher (partner Nancy Kleinfeld) and Jonathan (wife Shagorika Perkins, daughter Avani Perkins). I died in Platteville, Wisconsin, having moved here in January 2000 after marrying Walter Wisnewski (deceased).

Beverly Johansen was a loving friend from the moment I stepped foot in Platteville. Mary Jo Hennessy and Trina Marone are secular saints, more than just friends, who kept me smiling and kept me going. With many a lovely road trip, Wiliam "Joe" Ingram showed me what a beautiful state Wisconsin is. Even after he retired from being the world's most selfless veterinarian, Jeff Rolwes stayed my friend and brought me flowers.

If you want a way to remember me, think of me reading via FaceTime with my adored granddaughter Avani. Imagine me amazed and grateful that Chris and Jon are good and kind people and that Jon is a wonderful father. Picture me walking any of the 6 dogs who shared and bettered my life. Best of all, imagine me sitting in the bleachers on a sunny afternoon in Tenafly, New Jersey, watching Chris and Jon play Little League baseball and knowing a perfect moment.

In closing, I've lived a long life and am eager to share a few things I know to be true: (1) It's the Gulf of Mexico, and (2) being thoughtful and being kind matter.

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