Inspiring Hope Newsletter
Special Tribute - Rilla Tacy Fields
(February 22, 1947 - September 18, 2018)
Dear Friends and Volunteers of The Tacy Foundation,
Rilla Tacy Fields, my sister, long time supporter of The Tacy Foundation, and Board Secretary passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 18, 2018 with her husband by her side.
Some of you had the opportunity to get to know Rilla, she regularly attended the annual concert held at BlackRock Center for the Arts and helped with Reading Express, which she is doing in the picture above. All of us who work together through The Tacy Foundation to inspire hope benefited from her support through Board service, regular donations, and joyful advocacy to empower children and teens through our programs. Whether or not you had the chance to meet Rilla, she loved each of you and was always delighted to hear the many stories of the children, teens, and their families who generously share their time, talents, and treasure to make a difference in the lives of others.
She and her husband, Dr. Ed Fields, were dedicated to serving the underprivileged and most vulnerable throughout their careers. A speech pathologist par excellence, Rilla's work with children spanned decades in Alabama, Georgia, Grand Cayman and the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Rilla worked in the Chinle Unified School District on the Navajo Reservation for 25+ years.
After retiring from Chinle Unified School District, Rilla continued her speech pathology practice for Community Connections in Pagosa Springs, CO. She joined the Board of The Tacy Foundation and ultimately became Secretary when founding Board member, Cindy McCormack completed her term of service in that role.
Along with their active participation and involvement with demanding professions, community and church leadership, Rilla and Ed have sustained loving care and close bonds with family. A life well lived is a legacy, and Rilla’s precious gifts of joy, unconditional love, and faith will continue to inspire me and others as we work to "Inspire Hope, Note by Note."
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Durango Community of Christ Church at 2999 W. 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Tacy Foundation (https://www.tacyfoundation.
Thank you for keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers at this time as we grieve Rilla's death and remain grateful for the life she lived and her continued presence with us.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Tacy Holliday
Founder and Artistic Director