In an industry full of gatekeepers, Jo astonished me with her generosity and openness the first time I reached out to ask if she'd be interested in publishing an interview I did with a Filipino-American author in 2021. She told me she was already running an interview of that particular author, and this could have been the end of our email exchange. But instead of letting it end there, she invited me to interview another author, setting into motion our years-long collaboration. As a freelance writer who has pitched and written for various outlets in the past, I can say that editors like Jo are a rare breed: she was the kind of editor who looked to open doors for writers who would otherwise have little opportunity to write for outlets with as wide a reach as Electric Lit. As a writer based outside the US, it has been difficult for me to catch big breaks, but Jo was there to solicit another article from me for EL, even when it would have been easier for her to let me fall off the radar. She was the one who thought of asking me to create lists of artists' residency programs after she learned that I was writing to her from Storyknife Writers Retreat in Alaska, and when she learned that I was putting out my first book, she was the one who invited me to write a reading list to help promote it, even if my book was being published by a small and fairly unknown press in Australia. For my second book that was published by a university press in the US, she generously invited me to do another interview and reading list for EL--never mind if my work wasn't getting the backing of a Big 5 press. 

She seemed to be the kind of person who valued her privacy, and our exchanges were strictly professional. Seeing now, in her memorial, that she was an immigrant to the US makes me understand why she was so generous to someone like me who was filing my articles from the Philippines. She is a great loss to the community and I hope people remember her for her life-changing kindness.

Jo, to me, you were the editor of my dreams. I "only' knew you as the Interviews Editor at Electric Lit. We never met in person, but you were instrumental in shaping who I am as an interviewer today. Without you, my current path in life wouldn't exist. I owe you everything.

You are incredibly kind, smart, and generous with your time. Thank you for everything.

Jazz night with Berni and you, loved this trip

Crossing Brooklyn Bridge with you & Billy for the first time

I was lucky to meet you in my very first month in the city. In fact, I can’t think of my NYC life without Jo Lou. Exploring the city, looking fabulous, finding excitement - or making it ourselves, especially during the early pandemic days. With you, I found myself stepping beyond my comfort zone. 
 
 Your friendship gave me a sense of belonging, making the city feel a bit more like home. There was a welcomeness and warmth every time I came to you with something to vent about - whether it was something trivial and suplerfuous, or something heavy and serious - you treated all of it as important. You reassured me that my feelings were valid, made me feel understood, and offered support. A one-of-a-kind friend, from whom I’ve learned so much, and an interesting, smart, beautiful woman. 
 
 I’m so sorry for thinking we had a lot more time. I’ll carry a piece of you with me, and I will always treasure the memories we made.
 
 Rest in peace, my kind, fashionable friend.

Dear Joyce,
I wish I had visited more often and that we had more time together. I’ll always treasure the memories we shared in New York and London.

Thank you for taking me to new places and always encouraging me to try new things. I miss your handwritten postcards, the incredible feasts you created and all the amazing food we enjoyed together.

I hope you’ve found peace now. We loved you deeply and we always will.

Missing you,
Eunice

Last Thanksgiving, Jo graciously hosted and spent two days making a feast for us! She always went above and beyond for her friends 💗

Our dear Joyce, 

No words can express our grief. You were such a special girl. Memories of your most gorgeous smile, your chatter and giggles will always stay in our hearts. 

I remember how I used to feed you your meals while you insist whatever you ate has to be eaten with dunkin donuts. I remember how we used to dress you up in cute little dresses and hats when you were little.  And how you loved to go on papa's motorcycle! I remember how you would lug in your heavy suitcase into our house every school holiday. Remember when I brought you mountain climbing?  Remember being my bridesmaid? So many, so many memories....

You were such a smart little girl and I always knew you would make it in whatever you choose to  do. You have brought such joy to so many. 

Your sudden demise has left an emptiness in so many hearts, including ours. We will never understand why God would take you home so prematurely... but who are we to know and question the wisdom of God? And so we place our trust in God's eternal love and with a heavy heart bid you farewell for now.  We pray you are at peace. We love you Joyce and we are so proud of you. I wish we had said this to you more. Rest in peace our little princess. Go soar with the angels.

Love always,  your Taichee.

Joyce...we basically watched you growing up. You are indeed one of the kindest soul we know ya. Very smart gal, chatty, loves animals. I still remember the fatty rabbit you kept as a pet in your younger days. 

We also noticed you really enjoyed eating the chicken rice at Lavender cafe whenever you visited Johor Bahru (Malaysia). Those were the days...we will always cherish the wonderful memories spent with you. 

Even when you moved overseas and eventually to the US, you never stopped bombarding our letter box with post cards of the places you have been. In fact, we received post cards from you in this month of July itself. We are at a loss for words...you left so suddenly. 

It is indeed with a very heavy heart that we are penning this message. You constantly kept in touch. Family is important to you.  

You are important to us too, Joyce...very much. 

Uncle Joe
Guat EE
Alexis

To Jo, who was beautiful inside and out, you were always so kind and considerate to others and brought together a community of so many through a shared love of food and culture. Thank you for your friendship, and I hope you are at peace.

Dear Jo,

One of the sweetest girls I've ever met. Your time with us was cut short, but I will cherish every moment and forever appreciate your kind, welcoming spirit. 

May you Rest in Peace.

My dear friend Jo,

I always thought you’d write a book one day and share your incredible story with the world. I have no words to fully express how much you meant to me over these past years. You welcomed me—and so many others—into your life and into your home with open arms.

You cooked the most amazing meals, always offering the very best you had, and you did it with a warmth that made everyone feel included. Your fluency in so many subjects was a reflection of your brilliant mind.

I will always remember our long conversations, afternoons by the pool, trying new restaurants, your stories of living in London and spending time in Italy, your delicious food—and that time you helped me carry all those boxes up four flights of stairs without hesitation.

I only wish we had more time to bring all our friendship plans to life. I will truly miss you. The world was a better place with you in it.

May you rest in peace.

Joyce was one of the most intelligent people I knew and certainly the most well read. Her academic and career position places her in the highest percentile of educated women relative to where I’m from. She was virtuous and headstrong, but most importantly a moral person. It is tragic that she is gone from this world so soon, as I know she was a boon to those around her. At times it was difficult to live up to her standards; but that is how it’s like to be near people who burn the brightest. She had overcome so much in the course of her life and I’m glad to have been related to her, and more importantly, to know her. 

“I shall not die, these seeds I’ve sown will save my name and reputation from the grave, and men of sense and wisdom will proclaim, when I have gone, my praises and my fame” 

Rest in peace.

My sweetheart Joyce. You are so sweet and beautiful.  Thank you for sharing your life with me.  You are so special and precious to me. Thank you for loving me. You have bought love and happiness to my life.  It is so hard to say goodbye but there is consolation that you will meet again.  Be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Love and misses you much.

Jo, I’m sorry we didn’t have more time together. I will always remember the happy times we had over countless dinners, parties, and outings over the years. I’m thankful to have known you and hope you’re finally at peace. Rest easy, my friend 🕊️

A dear friend to Chai and Nidhi. You were there for us in our darkest days and you will be dearly missed

OBITUARY

Joyce Yijia Lou

23 November, 1991 – 8 July, 2025

R. Stutzmann & Son

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