Past SIA President Joyce Byrne Bequests Legacy Gift to Soroptimist

The Soroptimist community was saddened by the loss of 1990-1992 SIA President Joyce Byrne, upon her passing in December 2019. Also a past Desert Coast region governor and club president, Joyce had a long history of service and leadership in her 44 years as a Soroptimist member, and throughout her life.

Joyce also believed in the future growth and sustainability of our organization, and that was evident throughout her tenure as president at Soroptimist as she led the board through a time of unprecedented change. When we were informed of Joyce’s generous bequest left to Soroptimist through her trust, it was a reminder of her extraordinary passion and dedication for our organization. Her Laurel Legacy gift of over $650,000 is one of the largest bequests that the organization has ever received.

The SIA Board of Directors met on January 27, 2022, to vote on the designation of the funds received from the Joyce Byrne Trust. A total of 90% will be applied towards the Dream Big Campaign to support reaching our 2021-2031 Big Goal of investing in the dreams of half a million more women and girls through access to education. And 10% is designated towards the 2021-2022 fiscal year annual programs.

We are grateful to forward-thinking members like Joyce who included Soroptimist in her estate plans. Her leadership will carry on through her generosity and all that it touches.