Joy Ellen Witchel's Obituary
Joy Ellen Witchel was born on November 30th, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, and died peacefully on the morning of October 30th, 2022, at her home in the memory care unit of The Preserve at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach, Florida. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified Alcoholism and Addiction Counselor practicing in Manhattan for over thirty years. She was a proud, longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon. She returned to school in her thirties, studying at Yeshiva University, where she obtained both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She was the chief alcoholism counselor at St Vincent's hospital in Manhattan and was instrumental in pioneering the development of the training of medical students, residents, hospital staff, and doctors in the treatment of alcoholism.
Through her work as a psychotherapist, a counselor, and an active member in the twelve step programs, she was an invaluable support and mentor to many. She will be remembered for her uncannily keen observations of people, her unwavering directness and honesty, her ready sense of humor, her unwillingness to call any manner of harmful behavior by anything other than its name, and most importantly, for the big heart that allowed her to care so generously for those who reached out for her help. She was proudly and openly gay and active in the gay community even in the days when it was dangerous to do so. She could be irascible at times and although her bluntness didn't endear her to all, it’s safe to say that even those who didn't like her couldn't help but respect her just as those who truly knew her couldn't help but love her. May she rest in peace.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday November 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, Boynton Beach, FL.
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