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JOAN SCRIBNER Obituary

SCRIBNER--Joan, born Jeanette Kissel Sunderland on 28 May 1927, devoted wife of the late book publisher Charles Scribner, Jr., exemplary mother of Charles III, Blair, and John, grandmother of Charles IV and Christopher, great-grandmother of Elizabeth Blair, sister of the Rev. Canon Edwin S.S. Sunderland, died on 19th September at home in her native New York. A great-great-granddaughter of Commodore Vanderbilt, she graduated from Chapin and Bryn Mawr, served on boards of the Boys Club of New York and the National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction, and was a longtime member of the Colony Club and the New York Skating Club. A figure skater of impeccable musicality, style, and grace, she performed at United Hospital Fund shows at Rockefeller Center; with New York Skating Club and Ice Theatre of New York at Madison Square Garden, Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers, and Rockefeller Center; at Essex Hunt Club (New Jersey) and Beaver Dam (Long Island); and paired with the legendary Richard "Mr. Debonair" Dwyer of Ice Follies fame at the 1986 reopening of Wollman Rink in Central Park. Following her retirement after 66 years on the ice, she was honored by two-time Olympic gold medalist Dick Button at Ice Theatre's 2002 Gala. Funeral on Tuesday 25th September at 11am at St. Bartholomew's Church, Park Avenue at 51st.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOAN SCRIBNER

Sponsored by The Scribner Family.

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Lyn Larsen

September 14, 2020

I still think of her often. A wonderful, graceful woman.

Susan Thompson

November 30, 2016

I was saddened to hear about Joan's passing. I knew Joan when I performed in a show with her at St. Bart's. We became friends and I used to go skating with her at the Sky Rink since I was an avid figure skater myself. She also invited me to the Grand Opening of Wollmans Rink where she performed. She was a wonderful, lovely person and I shall never forget her. May she rest in peace.

R Samuels

March 27, 2014

You were an inspiration to skaters you didn't even know.
We all remember your grace on skating and personality

Steve Sanborn

May 25, 2013

As a salesrep for Scribners I was fortunate to meet Mr and Mrs Scribner at our annual meetings. I will always remember this lovely couple. Today's Rosary is for them and I will add them to my list of souls to pray for at Mass each Sunday. Eternal rest grant to them oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Chris Ferguson

May 14, 2013

I also remember skating with her during freestyle sessions at (33rd St.) Skyrink, in the early '80's when I first started skating. Such an elegant, inspiring, lovely skater, and lady; always looked as though she enjoyed skating. My condolences to her family and friends.

Charles Scribner

April 9, 2013

Lux Umbra Dei--Light is the Shadow of God

1975, at Sky Rink, NYC

April 9, 2013

Joan Scribner, by Robert Skemp, 1974

April 9, 2013

David Stroebel

March 12, 2013

I remember skating with Joan at the SCNY in the early 1980s. We never spoke, but she always smiled at me. I was a very shy 18-year-old. Looking back, I thought she was very generous by doing that. My condolences to her loved ones and friends.

Betty Stickney

September 27, 2012

Charlie's words so touching Bless you. I remember how important her "boys" always have been. . you area her memorial.

September 27, 2012

Joan entertained like a debutante even in her 70s. We loved our visits in Basking Ridge and at the Somerset Hills Golf Club. She was a lady to the end! Carol Fanning

Alec Haverstick

September 24, 2012

Charlie: What a lovely obituary for such a grand woman! It's been years since I last saw your mother, but, if as Fitzgerald wrote, "action is character", then your mom must have had more character than most of us put together. My sympathies go out to you and your family.

robyn geddes

September 22, 2012

John, Am very sorry to read about your mom and offer my sincere condolences.
Sincerely, Robyn

Irene O'Connell

September 22, 2012

Wonderful memories of an exceptional and talented lady who I will never forget. Love and deepest sympathy to you all. Irene

Moira North

September 22, 2012

A "Star" in the performance history of Ice Theatre of New York!

Margaret

September 22, 2012

God Bless you and all your family

Irene O'Connell

September 22, 2012

With fond memories

Joëlle Strickler

September 21, 2012

“The heart hath its own memory, like the mind. And in it are enshrined the precious keepsakes, into which is wrought the giver's loving thought.” – H.W. Longfellow

Dear Joan, your love and joy will now continue living in our hearts forever and ever and be our truest inspiration to live and love life the way you did! Blessed I am to have known you.

God bless you and your loving family!

September 21, 2012

To Charlie, Blair, and John, All our deepest sympathies and loving prayers to you and your families at this very sad time.
Much love, Anda, John and the girls

Lyn Larsen

September 21, 2012

A wonderful, classy woman & a marvelous skater. It was my pleasure to know & skate with her in years past. My condolences to her family. May she Rest in Peace.

September 21, 2012

Joan was a warm, wonderful, classy lady. Her passion for skating showed-every day that I saw her practice- and perform . I am forever grateful that she very kindly helped and inspired my daughter to attend her very same K-12 all girls' school. My heart and prayers go out to all her family members and friends. -Denise Beaumont

Gina Sauro

September 20, 2012

I was honored to know such a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Teri Noel Towe

September 20, 2012

My sympathy and my condolences

Merilyn Hill Glass

September 20, 2012

My deepest sympathies, I have many wonderful memories of Joan visiting here in Cazenovia. She was a delight to be with, and loved to Laugh. She is missed greatly. Jack so enjoyed her companionship. Love to you all, Merilyn Hill Glass

Frederick Baldwin

September 20, 2012

Joan was a great Christian lady who brought joy into the lives of her family and many, many friends. Having gone on to greater life, we are left with happy memories even in our sorrow. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.

Joan Brady

September 20, 2012

Godspeed, Joan!

Charles Scribner

September 20, 2012

God Bless You! We love you!

September 20, 2012

Mom, you will always be the Star of the Show! Onward....with love, Charlie

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