Remembering Juli Kendall

Friends,

I am deeply saddened to tell you that Juli Kendall has passed away from cancer. She was the founder of the Literacy Workshop, the original moderator of the group back when we were on MiddleWeb and the keeper of four years' worth of extraordinary diaries which still exist on the MiddleWeb website.

Through that work and the two books she published, she will continue to help and support members of our profession for many years. Those of us lucky enough to have met her, as I did two years ago in Canada, know firsthand what an extraordinary human being she was - brilliant and modest, honest and compelling, and someone who made you feel better about life simply by her presence and way of being.

Though her vision and way of being are permanently embedded in this listserv, I know we will miss her dearly.

Take care,
Bill Ivey
Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Posted by Bill Ivey at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Thanks to everyone that knew Juli for the kind thoughts and gentle support. Juli was, as you have made very clear, a force working quietly by example and persuasion and I agree that her impact is both unknowable and greater than we think.

In lieu of sending flowers and plants I am asking for something that would be appreciated greatly by Juli. Please donate funds or books to your local library school or to a classroom where perhaps some struggling readers need quality books.

Any checks sent to me will be turned over the PTO at Whittier Elementary School here in Long Beach to buy books for the kids she loved so much. I've arranged this with Ed Garcia, her principal, who assures me that the funds will be used in the intended fashion. Those donations can made out to "Whittier Elementary PTO" and sent to me (contact Keith Mack for address) and I will forward them to the school.

I feel lucky to have found her and to have had her as my very best friend for over 33 years. Thanks again to everyone for your thoughtful messages of remembrance.

Jim Kendall

Posted by kmack at 08:15 AM | Permalink