Joy Warner

August 18, 2025

Joy Warner, my first wife of seventeen years and Order member from 1967-1975, died peacefully last night at 8:27 pm Mountain time after an extended illness with Alzheimer’s.

Her second husband, Richard Kruch, predeceased her. She is survived by our two sons who both live in Denver as she did; Nathan who is married to Abby and has a nearly 13 year old daughter, Risa, and a 10 year old son, Desi. Brendan who is newly divorced and has an 8 year old daughter Luzia.

If you care to get in touch with either, Nathan he seldom uses email, his mobile number for texts and calls is (720) 448-0183, and Brendan’s email is ilmacizo@gmail.com and his mobile number is (919) 360-2920.

Joy had a great spirit. She loved working with children and taught in special ed for around thirty-five years in Denver.

While we were divorced we co-parented and were friends. I am filled with sorrow at her passing.

          ~~  Herman Greene

Dear colleagues, Oh two such vibrant and creative spirits, both of whom Joe and I encountered when we joined the Order in June 1968 were Larry Ward and Joy Warner Greene. And somehow, at this same week in 2025 we have learned of their passing.

Joy was the embodiment of her name — rejoicing with energy and possibility wherever she was present.  Joe and I “adopted” Joy and Herman as our “kids” and when we left for a SEAPAC teaching trek in April 1969, we left our car ( a blue Toyota Corolla) in their care for a year.  We loved their combination of disciplined inquiry (Herman) and creative exploration (Joy).

If Joe were here with me today he would join me in celebrating with deep thanks the joyful residue in societal enlivening, occasioned by Joy, one who loved the Mystery, and who has also been deeply loved by God.

How blessed we are, colleagues of the Long March, to have lived in the presence of such amazing Saints. Grace, peace and love,

          ~~  Marilyn Crocker

Good memories of both of you –

          ~~  Bill Schlesinger

Dear Herman, So sad to hear this.  Although we lost touch over the years, she remained one of my most favorite people from our days in Chicago and beyond.

Teaching in Centrum preschool with her leading our small (but mighty) team, is a very fond memory!  She was passionate and caring and now sorely missed.   Please let us know if there is a service for her planned. Lots of love to you and the boys,

          ~~  Jill Persichetti

Joy and I were roommates when she arrived at the Institute. My experience of her was that she lived a life of joy, embodying the spirit of her name. Peace and love,

          ~~  Karen Snyder Troxel

Joy was in my first religious house Cleveland. My experience of her was that she was a serious woman who understood and was grounded in her own faith. I remember there was a lot of kindness about her. And she was a very good pedagogue. I appreciated the fact that she had more guts than most people. She was very likeable and had a great laugh.

          ~~  Ed Feldmanis