Joyce Vandeveer

Joyce Vandeveer Born June 25, 1927, in Kansas City, MO, Joyce Vandeveer passed away peacefully on August 23, 2009, in Austin, Texas, after living a full and eventful life. A photographer by trade and passion, her work captured the jazz scene and cultural and political events in San Francisco and New York City during the 1950s-1960s. During the 1950s, Joyce also tended bar at establishments in the San Francisco North Beach District, including at Ann's 440, the famed cabaret owned by singer Ann Dee that boosted the careers of Johnny Mathis, Lenny Bruce and other entertainers. Joyce also worked at Mona's Candle Light, the nightclub featured in the Academic Film Archive of North America's film of the same name, which was recently awarded a preservation grant from New York Women in Film and Television. In a harbinger of the Stonewall Riots of the decade to follow, Joyce's resistance to, and ultimate victory over, a politically-motivated police raid of Tommy's Place is given treatment in Nan Alamilla Boyd's Wide-Open Town . According to newspaper archives, a jury acquitted Joyce of all wrongdoing and her accuser was ultimately indicted for perjury. Joyce will be remembered by many with a sigh, a chuckle and loving appreciation for her artistic talent, unique perspective and incomparable eccentricities. She is survived by her 17-year-old cat, Cleo, and her beloved and well-dressed Chihuahua, Panda, who faithfully remained by Joyce's side throughout her final days. Pursuant to her wishes and with the assistance of Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home, Joyce Vandeveer's remains are donated to LifeLegacy Foundation for medical research. To celebrate Joyce's life, she would highly recommend a Cabernet Sauvignon, or if one is really grieving, a Scotch and Water on the rocks. Special thanks to the caregivers at Hospice Austin's Christopher House and The Heritage at Gaines Ranch for helping provide a safe and loving environment. Donations may be made in Joyce Vandeveer's memory to Hospice Austin's Christopher House, www.hospiceaustin.org, and the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.