Krissy Doyle, SAF’s manager of Member and Data Services, passed away in the summer of 2019.
A memorial tribute to honor Krissy Doyle has been established by the American Floral Endowment on behalf of staff members of the Society of American Florists.
Doyle worked for nearly two decades as SAF’s manager of member and data services before passing away in the summer of 2019 at the age of 49 after a valiant fight with cancer.
“Krissy had a passion for our industry and what SAF does for our members. Just ask anyone who ever called or emailed to join or, for that matter, drop their SAF membership. Little did they know what they were in for: an impassioned pitch from Krissy on why they need SAF,” said Kate Penn, SAF’s CEO. “We all want employees who are passionate about our mission — it’s not something you can train; either it’s there or it’s not. Krissy had that in spades.”
Born in San Diego, California, Doyle was the daughter of a U.S. Naval Submarine Master Chief. She lived in many different parts of the country before settling in Northern Virginia and discovering her first and lasting passion for drama. After high school, she performed professionally at many theaters in the greater Washington, D.C., area. She was known for her dynamic and powerful singing voice, irresistible charm and vivacious energy on the stage.
In 2000, Doyle segued that energy into her successful career at SAF. As a primary force in the association’s membership department, she interacted daily with SAF members from all over the country and around the globe. She was well known for her mastery of database technology and used that expertise to help SAF communicate with targeted audiences of floral industry business owners.
Most of all, Doyle was recognized and embraced by all corners of the floral industry for her warmth, generosity and giving spirit.
She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Doyle; beloved sister, Sandra “Sandy” Bivens, and beloved father, Dustin “Dusty” Darnell, as well as her cherished “fur babies,” Lizzie and Penny. Her mother Linda Sue (Hall) Darnell, predeceased her.
Contributions to the Krissy Doyle Memorial Tribute can be made here, or by sending a check to:
American Floral Endowment
c/o Krissy Doyle Memorial Tribute
1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
Mary Westbrook is the editor in chief of Floral Management magazine.
