In memoriam - Joya Diane Sky

Joya Diane Skye left her body on 19 February. Born 13 April 1945, Skye (known as Diane from the early days), arrived in Auroville in May 1970 with her partner Philip and unborn child Lunaura. They stayed at the Ashram for the first three months and then moved to Aspiration where they participated in building the keet-roofed homes of that time, meditation, community building, tree planting amongst others.

Skye and Philip built what has come to be known as The Center Guest House in Center Field in 1976. They later built a Kindergarten next to the house to help provide a place for the children of Auroville to learn and play. This Kindergarten is still there today though the keet roof building has been replaced.

Skye was an international songwriter with five gold records to her name in the USA. In Auroville, she was always ready to get creative, share her music, lend a hand or an ear.

When Skye was just 26, her heart stopped in a doctor’s office and she had an ‘after death’ experience. She has always felt she would return “there” and “there” she felt “the greatest unconditional love”.

She has always considered Auroville her home and the Divine her place of belonging. Skye sent her love to ALL of Auroville in her final hours.