Joni Pico

ZOOM LINK: https://hillel.zoom.us/j/97199734654?pwd=V0grYVlnT2t2L213ZDRIeXBBU25SQT09

Joni Gill Pico was born in Chicago, IL on August 21, 1957 and died in Madison, WI on October 13, 2021. Joni spent most of her adult life in Alaska, primarily in Juneau. Joni earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986. She also earned her Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. Joni used her education and skills at many Juneau agencies, including Juneau Alliance for Mental Health, Hospice and Home Care of Juneau, University of Alaska Southeast, and the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (Indian Health Services), to the benefit of many clients and coworkers, where Joni made friends for life. At the time of her death, she was employed at Jewish Social Services of Madison. At the heart of Joni’s being was deep love and respect for two compelling cultures/peoples- Jewish and Alaska Native. Joni had a prominent presence in Jewish communities, wherever she lived. Although cancer took her life, it did not take Joni’s kindness and compassion, or the wisdom and sense of humor that were so integral to her being. Joni was pre-deceased by her husband, Mickey Pico, and by Dr. Fred Chu. Joni is survived by her greatest love- her daughter Sasha, and numerous friends and acquaintances who love Joni dearly. To Joni acquaintances were people she shared stories, support, and encouragement with. She interacted with depth and meaning, and her friendships were rich with love, humor, and connection. As Joni was a blessing in our lives, may her memory also be a blessing.

Gatherings to honor Joni’s life will take place in Madison and Juneau

Wednesday, October 20 at 4:30 PM at

UW Madison Hillel- 611 Langdon Street in Madison

or on Zoom at https://hillel.zoom.us/j/97199734654?pwd=V0grYVlnT2t2L213ZDRIeXBBU25SQT09

In the coming weeks. Details will be forthcoming.