Joyce Kaiser

Joyce Kaiser -- artist, mother, activist, letter writer-- passed away on January 21st, 2019. Born in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn to Ruth and David Kosh, she attended Midwood High School and later attended Syracuse University, finally receiving her degree in Fine Arts from Barnard College. She met the love of her life, the late Gerard Kaiser, MD, at Trail's End camp, beginning what became a 57-year love affair. After their marriage, they resided in New York City, with a brief stint in Bethesda, MD, while Jerry completed his medical training. With great trepidation she moved her young family from New York to Miami in 1971 so that Jerry could help build the Department of Cardiac and Thoracic surgery at UM/JMH.

The Kaisers flourished in Miami. Joyce joined the Continuum Gallery on Miami Beach, a collective of female artists. She participated in numerous shows and exhibitions. A collection of her work stands as a memorial to Dr. Kaiser in a gallery in the Holtz Children’s Hospital at JMH. In addition, one of her paintings is part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Besides a lifelong devotion to the visual arts, Joyce was involved with local issues and causes. She was active in the Democratic party of Dade County, eventually serving on its Executive Committee, and was a delegate at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. She served as President of the Friends of the Bass Museum, helping to oversee its expansion. She was also a regular patron of the performing arts throughout Miami-Dade and an active member of the Brickell Avenue Literary Society.

She is survived by her children, Beth, Jordan (Maria Dolores Ordoñez), and Charles (Angela Hatfield) in addition to 11 loving grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at Temple Israel on Sunday, January 27th at 2 pm. Shiva will follow at Grove Isle at 4:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barnard College in Manhattan or Seraphic Fire in Miami.