A life well lived is full of love, community, devotion, service, children, music, and joy. When my friend Marilyn Dick passed away in February, the community mourned her loss, but a celebration of her life was immediately on everyone’s mind. When a person dies it’s a shock. Any death is. But in their 10th decade of life it’s not a surprise. In her case, the momentary blow of hearing the sad news was gently washed away by the vast appreciation felt by anyone and everyone who knew Marilyn. Her husband, James, died in 2011. He founded this School in 1998. His passing, after a long decline, also prompted a celebration of a life well lived. Marilyn, who cared for James in her home in his last years, embraced the Joy of Music School as devotedly as James had, extending and adding to their legacy in service of children.

I served the School first as a board member, and now its Executive Director, and have always felt a special connection to them both, but I knew Marilyn better. We had many meals and events together, celebrating achievements of the School’s students, wrestling with the challenges nonprofits face, talking about our families, and just becoming friends. I miss her as much as I celebrate and appreciate her. I will forever fondly reflect on the memory of two of the most generous and delightful people I have had the good fortune to befriend.