WHEREAS, Joyce Sobel was a champion for underserved children and families throughout the state of Washington and is lauded for her work as the founder of the San Juan Island Family Resource Center; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Sobel's selfless leadership and love for travel first led her to serve in the Peace Corps after college, teaching secondary education in Kenya; and

WHEREAS, Upon her arrival on San Juan Island in 1975, Joyce Sobel became an outspoken advocate for underserved children on the island, supporting the well-being of families in her community above all else; and

WHEREAS, In Friday Harbor, Washington, Joyce Sobel envisioned an organization that ensures that every household in the San Juan Island community has the basic resources to be healthy, happy, and productive; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Sobel founded the San Juan Island Family Resource Center to provide her community with quality early childhood support programs that help optimize child development and family well-being; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Sobel served the San Juan Island community outside the Family Resource Center in numerous local organizations including the League of Women Voters, Soroptimist International, and the Friday Harbor Food Bank; and

WHEREAS, Due to her tireless commitment to the women and children of San Juan Island and passionate belief in the idea that together we can do so much, Joyce Sobel was recognized as the 2004 Citizen of the Year by the San Juan Journal and the 2011 Woman Who Made a Difference by the San Juan League of Women Voters; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Sobel remained busy well into retirement, enjoying a colorful personal life celebrating the arts, protecting her vegetable garden from deer, and discussing books over a meal with the "No Guilt, Gourmet Book Club"; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Sobel is remembered by her friends and family for her role in welcoming and mentoring young families in the community, helping others find their place, and understanding people and their needs better than anyone;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honors Joyce Sobel for her lifelong commitment to the women, children, and families of San Juan Island and recognizes her enduring spirit in the lives of all those she served.