Jill Friedman Fixler lived her extraordinary life on many levels. She popularized the concept of volunteerism in synagogues and organizations throughout Denver and the US. Referred to as the pop star of the non-profit galaxy, she wasdriven, exacting, mentor, friend, and very personable. Addressing each member at a presentation by his or her first name, she engaged their participation by asking questions that immersed them into the topic at hand — building a better future.
An instinctive leader, she provided executive training, often neglected in rabbinical school, to newly arrived rabbis in the Rocky Mountain region. She introduced volunteer programs at National Jewish, the Downtown Aquarium and countless organizations that benefited from of her guidance.
Fixler was a founding board member of the Colorado AIDS Project, working tirelessly to bring awareness and resources in order to eradicate the dreaded disease.
She loved intensely, and received abundant love in return. She married Peter Fixler in 1976. It was a true meeting of two minds and hearts. They supported each other in all manner of weather — fair, carefree afternoons and the coming storms. Her son Josh meant everything to her. A pervasive and profound affection bound the entire family together. Love engenders love; wisdom begets wisdom. And in time, we hope that hard reality will yield to sweet memory.
Fixler died of myelofibrosis on Nov. 29, 2014, at age 61. Diagnosed in 1997 and in remission for several years, she treated each day as a rare and wonderful gift. Doctors told her that when the cancer returned, the prognosis would be grim. It was.
Look at Jill Fixler’s smile, for therein lies her secret and strength of spirit. Her radiance betrayed only joy. She woke up every morning with gratitude. Knowing life was limited, she squeezed the joy out of each second. That is her greatest lesson — to love and accept our days with gratitude. We won’t forget.
Copyright © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
