From Ellie and George Brecht on a 40-year friendship:

Joyce and Lou- you are amazing community devotees and I love your service skills that made you leaders and providers to all those you serve. Joyce, you are so organized at completing projects as promised. Lou, I admire our immense intelligence, talents, service and commitment. You were and are always there for your friends traveling to be near for friends' important events - funerals, weddings, illness- cooking, running errands, bedside vigils. You were always there for those moments in the dark of night. And you were there for the joys of travel and parties -always hilarious and unexpected, sometimes embarrassing family moments. Birthdays at Hilton Head to panic on the river in storms or breakdowns. Vacations to "the farm" and the ocean. Seasonal holidays and trips to Europe. We shared the magic moments of raising kids- their winnings and losings, broken hearts and falling in love with the one. Physical challenges for our "dear ones" took all of our families ' involvement. Day in and day out we have lived supported by each other through everything.

What has endeared you two most to my heart is how you've fueled our friendship with your devotion even when we have pulled back in isolation of late. You beautiful people have stayed with us. We both love you and thank you. God bless you and keep you through these last stages we walk together. May our path be joyous and fun! Love always, dear friends, Ellie and George