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Joan Hoytt Obituary
October 30, 1927 - October 27, 2010
A highly accomplished pianist and accompanist, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 27, 2010. Beloved wife of the late Donald Hoytt, M.D. Cherished and devoted mother to Cathy Colman and Richard Colman. Adored sister of Greta Ackerman. A supremely loyal, kind, generous and compassionate friend to many and a mother and friend to hundreds of UCLA students for over thirty years. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 3:30 pm at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, 90024.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joan Hoytt
Sponsored by Laura Howansky Brugnoni.
Norman Cooley
October 28, 2011
Remembering Joan one year after her passing. She had a low-key and very quiet way of giving rock hard support to everyone she worked with. She was crucial to my development in my years at UCLA. She had a way of believing in you that gave you confidence to believe in yourself. She was a very dear lady and I was thrilled to see Joan and Don several times in later years. God bless them both.
Kim Bayer
November 13, 2010
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, Joan. She was always so kind and most gracious whenever we met or talked on the phone. I have wonderful memories of her coming to Portland and playing the piano while you and Rocky and your friends sang. Although I didn't meet Joan until I was older, my grandmother always spoke so kindly of her "cousin Joan in California", and I was so honored to have had the pleasure of knowing this great cousin of hers and mother of yours. She will be greatly missed! Sending you hugs...
Charlotte Vineburg
November 2, 2010
Dear Kathy and Richard:
I think I only met you once, Kathy, and Richard, not at all, but I feel I know you through Shepard. I would always get together with your Mom whenever I would travel out to visit with Shepard. We would go out to lunch or dinner and always felt close, as though we had known each other for years.
Your Mom and I had a lot in common. First of all, our age. We are practically the same age. Second, we are both musicians, actually pianists. Our lives were pretty similar so I can understand the joy, along with some problems, which we experienced, both in our fields of work and personal lives.
This is a difficult time for you and there are not many words of wisdom I can offer, except to say, God works in strange ways that often we cannot comprehend. But accept it, we must because we cannot change it.
I extend to you and the rest of the family my sincere sympathy and condolence. I pray that the wonderful memories and love Joan has left you with will help you get through this sorrowful time.
May her memory be a blessing!
Love,
Charlotte
Michael Ball
November 2, 2010
One of the sweetest and gentlest people I have met in my lifetime. We are all going to miss her, but appreciate the part she played in our lives.
Greg Amerind
November 2, 2010
Joan was quite simply one of the kindest and most unselfish human beings I ever encountered. During my two years at UCLA as a young student of music and theater, she was one of the brightest spots. She touched so many lives with her smile and willingness to work with us and provided a rich model of patience and faith that I've carried with me into my teaching and mentoring. Thank you Joan. We'll miss you.
Greg Amerind, (formerly Wilburn) Scottsdale, AZ
Sarahbeth Grossman
November 2, 2010
Joan made everyone who stepped into the room feel like they were a treasure. It didn't matter if you were a musical Diva or a dancer struggling to find her voice (as I was)...you were a star in Joan's eyes...and therefore believed you could be a star. Her encouragement, enthusiasm, awe at our accomplishments and pure JOY to be sharing our growth shaped my life. I strive daily to emulate those qualities and will continue to do so with Joan in my heart. She will be missed.
Alan Muraoka
November 1, 2010
Richard, Cathy & the Family,
I am so saddened and shocked at the news of Joan's passing. Joan was an integral part of my UCLA experience, and I look back on those days with such fondness. The Troon house was like my second home, and Joan a wonderful surrogate mother. I practiced for auditions there, shared meals, and even house sat a few times. Joan truely cared about each one of us, and we are better people and artists because of it.
Joan was a part of all of my milestones as a performer. When I was working for Princess Cruises before moving to NYC, Joan would write me letters, which I always looked forward to getting. And I promised her to always be on the lookout for a weathly single man.
I got to see Joan this past August when she came to see a show I was directing in LA. She came with Keith and Hector, and I was so grateful to all of them for coming. We chatted for a bit afterward, and I was amazed at how everytime I saw her she never seemed to look any different than the beautiful woman I met as a Sophmore at UCLA in 1981.
Joan I know you are surrounded by love, because you gave us all that same gift when we were young and vulnerable and unformed. You will be missed, but never never forgotten.
Kelly (Richman) Lester
November 1, 2010
Ah Joan... not many people love to look at pictures of my kids, but you always let me know that our yearly family holiday cards brought you much joy. Of course, it was my joy to send them to you. Whenever I would address the card I'd think of you fondly and all our Saturday workshop mornings together from so many years ago. I was one of the lucky few who, more recently, also spent many Sunday nights for a number of months in the warmth of your lovely home, as you so generously brought a few of us together for our own little makeshift musical theatre wkshop. The support and love continued so many years later... It doesn't amaze me that so many of us all have the same memory of what a remarkably sweet and loving spirit you were to us. Always there with a smile and words of encouragement, not to mention those nimble fingers! God is singing with you now Joan, and I'm pretty sure it's one of the old classics you loved so well. I love you. :)
Mitchell Kaplan
November 1, 2010
Joan was always so kind and patient. I am grateful for having her support and nurturing during my years at U.C.L.A. Her encouragement meant so much to many young performers. Sending love and light to her family.
Peter Cunningham
November 1, 2010
Richard:
We are so sorry for you and your family for the loss of your mother Joan. Your friends at the Equity Foundation have you and your family in our thoughts at this difficult time.
November 1, 2010
Dear Richard and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We always enjoyed seeing your mom when she was visiting in Portland. The sing-along at your house last year and the coat "mix up" at your birthday party years ago are particularly memorable. We are shocked and saddened that Joan is gone. We are sending love and good wishes for good memories now and in the years to come. Love to you.
Ron & Bob
Joe Eustaquio
November 1, 2010
Richard, Cathy & Families -- my deepest condolences to you and your families on your loss. I know via Richard she raised a very loving & nurturing family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you...Warmest Regards, Joe Eustaquio & Sean Moore
November 1, 2010
So sorry, Richard. This must be a difficult time. You are in my thoughts.
Jay
November 1, 2010
We are so sad by the sudden death of my aunt Joan. She was a devoted and loving mother to Cathy and Richard. She absolutely adored her children and she was so proud of their accomplishments. She was the loving sister of Greta. They were extremely close and talked to each other by phone almost every day. Joan played the piano from childhood and shared her passion of music with so many others over her lifetime . We send our love to RIchard and Cathy. Eve
November 1, 2010
We are so sad by the sudden death of my aunt Joan. She was a devoted and loving mother to Cathy and Richard. She absolutely adored her children and she was so proud of their accomplishments. She was the loving sister of Greta. They were extremely close and talked to each other by phone almost every day. Joan played the piano from childhood and shared her passion of music with so many others over her lifetime . We send our love to RIchard and Cathy. Evie, Michael, Michael and Robert
November 1, 2010
So much of my career at UCLA had Joan as a part of it. We made a good team but one of my favorite memories was spending some time in Paris with her and Don. We had a great couple of days and she and I were so happy to "play hookey" from UCLA. Miss her? Of course I will...replace her? Impossible. I am grateful she was in my life in such a big way.
October 31, 2010
I didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with Joan, but I will always remember her intelligent good humor, warm hospitality and generosity when Rich arranged for a colleague and I to stay at her home in LA. Rich and Cathy, I hope that you will take comfort in how much your mother was loved and appreciated. Leigh Coffey (Portland, OR)
Cheryl Crandall-Hernandez
October 31, 2010
I feel so grateful to have had the chance to work with and get to know Joan in my years at UCLA. Her passion for musical theater, her gentle spirit, and her loving and encouraging ways blessed all who knew her. Joan was loved by many and will be missed by all. My heartfelt condolences are with your family.
Cheryl Crandall-Hernandez
Gail and Liz
October 31, 2010
Like so many, our lives have been touched by Joan and her music. We have many wonderful memories of singing Broadway tunes with Joan's accompaniment and a living room of friends at Richard's. The world is a better place for bringing us your music and Richard!
With love.
Paul Malamphy
October 31, 2010
To Cathy and Richard and all those who loved her: Joan was the perfect guide into the world of performing for a young person. She was an exquisite musician with a profoundly caring soul. She gave so much to me over the years artistically, as a devoted friend and as my L.A. Mom. She opened heaven's portal here on earth for this poor mortal -- She wll always be my lucky star . With gratitude and deepest sympathy Paul J. Malamphy (New York, New York )
Suzanne Taix
October 31, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful woman who radiated intelligence and class. Always supportive and kind, she made a difference in my life.
Debbie Shulman Luce
October 31, 2010
Joan was possibly one of the women most admired at UCLA. I don't think she fully knew how much her friendship and kindness meant to everyone whose lives she touched. She will be missed by many. I will always remember her smile and support, which she shared unconditionally.
Brian Johnson
October 31, 2010
I had only known Joan through her son Richard, but had the wonderful opportunity to speak with her last weekend. She was a kind and loving person and a wonderful mother. Richard, I'm sending you and your family blessings from Oregon.
October 31, 2010
Sincerest condolences to Cathy, Richard and family. To Joan: Because I knew you, I have been changed for good. With love, Dianne Fraser
Glenn Rosenblum
October 30, 2010
Joan was a special woman. Always supportive. Always Kind. Rest in peace sweet Joan
Steve Fickinger
October 30, 2010
Rest in peace Joan. You were truly loved and you made a difference. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me.
Stuart Marland
October 30, 2010
My days in UCLA Musical Theater Workshop have a very special place in my heart, especially because of Joan. I will always remember looking down from the stage at Joan and seeing her beaming smile, encouragement and joy looking up at the nervous newcomer as she sat poised and ready to accompany us in our selections... Over the years, I have had the great fortune to spend time with Joan especially when she and Don made holiday trips to NYC. I will truly miss Joan's love, support and special magic -- the qualities she shared with us all, unselfishly, unending, forever... I send my love and prayers to Cathy, Rich and all the family on the passing of an irreplacebale joy and loving force in all our lives.
Stuart
Judy (Berkowitz) Race
October 30, 2010
To Cathy and Richard and all those who knew and loved Joan,
I am truly heartbroken. In my college years, Joan was my first adult friend. She played piano and I sang, and her constant support made me feel invincible. I don't know if she ever fully knew how much pleasure she brought to my life. Our friendship lasted over 35 years, and our last "lunch at Joan's" was (thankfully) not too long ago.
Joan, you will make my heart sing forever.
Theresa Hayes
October 29, 2010
To Cathy, Rich and Family,
Joan was so patient and kind to everyone with whom she came in contact. Her love and support of all Musical Theatre students was admirable, and her maternal warmth was greatly appreciated. How lucky we all were to wrok with such a dedicated and loving woman. She will be greatly missed.
October 29, 2010
Our heartfelt condolences to Richard, Cathy, Greta and family on the loss of our beautiful and talented cousin Joan. Her kind words, warmth and love will always be with us. Steve will never forget her patience as his piano teacher when he was a boy. We will cherish our memories of Joan and happy family times. Gale and Steve Bayer (Croton-on-Hudson, New York)
David Levy
October 29, 2010
My memories of working with and knowing Joan are imbued with some of the richest moments of my life. Her selflessness, kindness, dedication, and eternal patience were truly inspirational.
October 29, 2010
"I will never forget Joan. The love and support she gave to me during my year at UCLA saved my life!! What a tremendous loss for all those who knew
and loved her. My deepest condolences"
Paula Mulcahy(Keane) Los Angeles,Ca.
Gary Busby
October 29, 2010
Joan was the epitome of elegance and dignity. As a young, brash graduate student, she treated me with the kind of warmth and caring that helped me to realize all kinds of crazy ideas. She will be missed greatly.
Eileen Stringer
October 29, 2010
Joan was the heart and soul of my experience at UCLA. She was the mom we all needed, the wind beneath all of our wings and she always gave me the confidence I needed everytime I stepped on a stage to sing. I am so sorry for your loss - Warmest wishes.
Birthday Tea with Joan April 2009
Laura Brugnoni
October 29, 2010
To Cathy and Rich and all her family, and to her students who grew up to become her friends,
It's a huge loss. She touched our lives in such a profound and lasting way. She not only taught us to love musicals but to love ourselves.
She was an amazing, kind, talented, classy, intelligent, insightful and spiritual woman. I feel so grateful my daughter could know her and love her as I did. She will live on forever in the music she so loved and in the hearts of all those who so loved her.
My life was better because you were in it, Joan, and I will love you forever.
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