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Joy Willene Eldridge-Patwardhan of Norman passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 27, 2022, at age 84.
Joy was dynamic, creative, empathetic, and fun. Her lifelong passions were reading, writing, learning, and thinking deeply. An active advocate for women and a supporter of liberal causes, Joy was particularly curious about philosophy, spirituality, and the ultimate nature of reality. These interests shaped a life marked by unique adventures and experiences.
Born on April 23, 1938, in Dustin, Oklahoma, Joy graduated from high school in Tulsa and worked for a decade as a leader in the then-emerging contact lens industry. She authored several articles about fitting women with contact lenses and lectured throughout the nation while employed by the Wesley-Jessen Corporation, an early pioneer in contact lens development.
In 1969, with her young son, Wolf, Joy moved to Norman, Oklahoma, to attend the University of Oklahoma (OU), earning a B.A. in anthropology several years later. Joy met Suhas Patwardhan on the OU campus when both were students, and they married in 1976. Their son, Shyam, was born in 1977. While raising her children, Joy remained active as a writer and completed numerous graduate-level courses and seminars in creative writing at both OU and Oklahoma State University (OSU).
Joy was a voracious reader since childhood, and the thousands of books that fill every room of her home reflect her interests in spirituality, religion, mythology, and the Great Books. She was a lifelong member-leader of the OU Women Association’s Great Books Club and Contemporary Books Club. Always passionate about writing, Joy was working on a collection of short stories until the time of her death.
Joy’s life was marked by constant exploration of multiple paths to meaning and understanding. As a proud member of West Wind Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Norman for the past 20 years, Joy served as a gifted speaker and a service leader. She supported the congregation’s social justice initiatives and helped give voice to those who are often unheard. Her friends and fellow West Wind members will miss her voice, her courage, and her laughter.
Joy was preceded in death by her son, Dr. Shyam Dev Patwardhan of Norman, Oklahoma; her parents, Wolf and Lois Eldridge of Dustin, Oklahoma; and her sister, Sherri Dee Music-Mayo of Tulsa. Joy is survived by her husband, Suhas Patwardhan of Norman; and her son, Wolf Conner Eldridge of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma.
Contributions may be made to the Dr. Shyam Dev Patwardhan Scholarship Fund (fund 33652) at The University of Oklahoma Foundation, 100 Timberdell Road, Norman, Oklahoma.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Monday
January 16, 2023
2:00 PM
Havenbrook
Funeral Home
3401 Havenbrook Street
Norman, OK 73072
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