(January 6, 1941—December 4, 1996)
Born Joni Doyle, she began letterhacking in the early 1950s using the name “Kitty” Doyle, she helped Bjo Trimble create the art show at Pittcon in 1960, setting up and running the show. In doing so, she pressed Harlan Ellison into service.
She married Jon Stopa in 1962 and moved to Wilmot, Wisconsin, where Jon’s family ran Wilmot Mountain, a ski lodge. Beginning the following year, the two began hosting Wilcon, an invitation-only relaxacon which would be held through the end of the millennium, often attracting hundreds of fen.
Joni helped create the modern Masquerade, ensuring that costumers had plenty of room backstage, the chance to eat, and practice runs through the Masquerade space.
Joni was guest of honor at Windycon 2 in 1975. The Stopas were among the founders of ISFiC and were guests of honor at ConClave 6 in 1981 and fan guests of honor at Chicon V in 1991.
Joni Stopa collapsed on November 8, 1996 at Windycon XXIII from a combination of heart problems, a stroke, and a staph infection. She died just under a month later.
