Joie Ruth Armstrong

"She became all that she could be and she lived life to the fullest."
                              ~Leslie Armstrong, Joie’s mother

Honoring the beautiful life of Joie Ruth Armstrong

We remain deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our dear friend and colleague Joie Armstrong, who was murdered on July 21, 1999 in Yosemite National Park. We do our best, however, to focus on the goodness and joy that Joie embodied while with us and to share her inspiring spirit with others.

Joie was a bright light to all who knew her. She was full of laughter and love, creativity and spunk; she gifted the world with her glowing smile and warm heart. We will remember her as a young woman who had a tremendous enthusiasm for life and a deep desire to give of herself for the betterment of the world around her.

As Joie once said, "My passion lies with teaching children about their environment and I have dedicated all of my efforts toward it." That passion for teaching and her creative spirit were an inspiration to all of us and made Joie an integral part of our talented teaching staff for more than two years, at both Headlands Institute and Yosemite Institute. 

Joie’s education and previous work experience were rich. She graduated from California State University, Chico, with a Bachelor's degree in parks and natural resource management with an emphasis in environmental education. She worked with several nonprofit organizations including Ecolife, the National Audubon Society and the Foothill Horizons Environmental School before coming to NatureBridge. Joie began teaching at Headlands Institute in spring 1997 and then transferred to Yosemite Institute in January of 1999, excited to be reunited with the High Sierra.

NatureBridge established the Joie Armstrong Memorial Fund to provide annual awards to assist young women, ages 15-18, to participate in the Armstrong Scholars Program. This unique summer program is dedicated to the memory of Joie and to the passion and values that made her so special.
 

If you'd like to make a tax deductible contribution to the Joie Armstrong Memorial Fund, please make your check payable to "NatureBridge" and note "Armstrong Fund" in the memo line.  

Please mail your contribution to:
NatureBridge
28 Geary Street
Suite 650
San Francisco, CA94108


Read letters about Joie Armstrong