Joyce Fisher, dedicated keeper of history, fierce advocate for veterans, loyal booster of Howell, all-around force of nature, is being remembered for the never-ending energy, imagination and passion she poured into the community she loved.
Fisher died Saturday after a battle with cancer. She was 71.
When she was recognized in 2009 with the Howell Carnegie District Library’s Duane Zemper Award, which honors those who bring positive attention and support to the library, it was noted that Fisher “transforms ideas into action with great energy and enthusiasm, which brings a beneficial vitality to those around her.”
For those who knew Fisher well, that translates to: she knows how to get things done, and she isn’t shy about it.
“Tough as nails, a real broad,” is how friend Kathleen Murray describes her.
“When she found a cause she was passionate about, she was absolutely relentless in its defense,” Murray said. “She could argue with lawyers, debate politicians, and out-research academics, all on behalf of the greater good.”
That greater good extended far and wide in the community, touching countless lives.
Fisher was on the board of the Howell High School Alumni Association. She had also been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Philip Livingston Chapter, the Howell Area Historical Society, in addition to being the cog that kept the Howell Area Archives spinning.
Her father’s stories of his military adventures during World War II infused her with an unwavering love and respect for those who’ve served.
A particular passion of hers was Honor Flight Michigan, which brings veterans to Washington, D.C., a trip that includes programs and visiting monuments including the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and the National World War II Memorial.
So dedicated was she in getting as many veterans to experience D.C. as possible that she once spent four days wrapping Christmas gifts to raise over $500 for the program.
Fisher was also an active member of the American Legion; one of her projects was planning and hosting the annual free Christmas Day dinner that was enjoyed in person at the Legion, or delivered through Meals on Wheels.
Fisher was also active in documenting the stories of veterans. She assisted with the Michigan Television documentary about her dear friend and fellow archives volunteer Duane Zemper, whose dramatic photos for the military chronicled bombings during WWII. After that experience, Fisher went on to help document the stories of area veterans as part of a national archiving effort.
She was also active in the annual Wreaths Across America program. In 2011, Fisher was laying wreaths at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly: “I’m still here to remember their service and make sure people don’t forget the reason they served,” Fisher said for a story in the Livingston Daily. “My freedom is very precious to me, and those who have gone before me provided that freedom.
“We need to remember that, and not only support the veterans, but support those still trying to keep our homeland free.”
Fisher spent countless volunteer hours volunteering for the Howell Area Archives, a position that allowed her to put her love of history and stories to good use.
“Joyce was the heart of the archives,” said Holly Ward Lamb, director of the Howell Carnegie District Library. “Her passion was the people, stories and history of her town: Howell. She set an example for all of us in the many ways she gave to Howell, and to those who sacrificed to serve our country.”
Fisher wasn’t satisfied to just know history; she was always finding interesting ways to share information, including short videos of various residents in a series called “Growing up Howell – What’s your Story?”
Brent Earl described Fisher as a “bridge of knowledge between generations.”
“She would light up when she could share what she knew about our community,” Earl said. “She’s a dear friend who was loved by me and many others.”
While there is no information on services or memorials, here’s a suggestion from Holly Ward Lamb: “We can honor Joyce’s memory through our own acts of volunteerism.”
MAIN PHOTO: In 2014, Howell Archives volunteer Joyce Fisher posts more than 60 photos of veterans and active-duty service members from the Civil War through current duty on a wall at the Howell Carnegie District Library. Photo from LIVINGSTON DAILY/Alan Ward
