A pioneer: Joan Rivers opened the door for women and showed courage

An unexpected death is never easy to handle -- and the passing of comedienne Joan Rivers was exactly that, unexpected.

Her loss is already being felt around the country as those who knew her and loved her are trying to figure out how she could be gone.

There is no doubt that she made an impact.

Although the caustic comic made her living pointing out the deficiencies of others, she was equally quick to point out her own.

But there was more to her than just her comedic talent. Those who knew her said she was kind, generous, a parental figure to many and a philanthropist.

And she was a pioneer, too -- a woman who stepped on a comedy stage at a time when there were very few who would.

She battled tragedy, rebuilt her life and managed to maintain a decades-long career.

She was an inspiration. And she will be missed.

Published in Editorials on September 5, 2014 11:10 AM