Dr. Joyce Fern Glasser passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at the age of 88. Beloved daughter of Sylvia and Daniel Glasser, Joyce lived a life devoted to wisdom, service, healing, education, and love. Her Hebrew name was Aliza, meaning the joyful one, a beautiful reflection of the spirit she carried throughout her life.

Joyce wished to be remembered as a teacher, healer, seeker of truth, and one who shared unconditional love with others. She believed deeply in kindness, gentleness, compassion, responsibility, and living by example. Throughout her life, she encouraged others to focus not on perfection, but on the quality and direction of their lives.

A lifelong educator, Joyce taught English to elementary, middle, and high school students. She also served as an inner-city elementary school principal in Illinois and developed innovative learning programs designed to encourage growth, responsibility, and emotional well-being in children and teachers alike.

Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Education from Lake Forest College, a master’s degree in School Administration from National Lewis University, and a Ph.D. in Education and Psychology from Florida State University.

Later, Joyce became a Florida-licensed mental health counselor and served clients in private practice for more than 3 decades in South and Central Florida. She developed a therapeutic approach she called Core Healing, through which many people sought her guidance, some traveling great distances to receive her care.

She was also an author whose works included The Elementary School Learning Center for Independent Study, Reconstructing Eden, Core Healing, and You Matter! Heal Ourselves. Heal Our Children. Heal the World.

Joyce will be remembered as intelligent, thoughtful, resilient, humorous, caring, and deeply devoted to helping others heal and grow. She sought truth, cherished learning, and believed every person mattered.

Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched as a teacher, counselor, author, mentor, family member, and friend.

May her memory be a blessing.

Funeral arrangements are under the careful care of Allen J. Harden Funeral Home.