A memorial tribute has been established by staff members of the Society of American Florists to honor Krissy Doyle.
Krissy 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.
Born in San Diego, California, Krissy 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 theatres 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, Krissy 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, Krissy was recognized and embraced by all corners of the floral industry for her warmth, generosity and giving spirit.
“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 Executive Vice President/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.”
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
The family is always notified of donations and contributions can be made in any amount.
About AFE
The American Floral Endowment is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the floriculture and horticulture industry through funding research, educational grants and scholarships. Since 1961, more than $16 million has been funded in research and educational projects, and more than $3 million has been funded in scholarships and internships designed to attract and retain the future leaders of the industry. To learn more about AFE or make a tax-deductible contribution, visitwww.endowment.org.
