JOAN SPENCER

Dearest Cousins,
What a lovely tribute to Joanie. She was a remarkable woman, always full of life and energy, much like her mom. She will be missed. Hugs and love to you all.

Beth, Peggy, Sally, Becky: What a wondeful person to have for my sister-in-law for all these years! We each raised four kids, and seeing you, Joanie, do it with grace and ease and humor encouraged me when the way seemed long and full of endless diapers. You were a model to so many people for how to balance family and work before that was a given in women's lives. We raised kids before velcro fasteners and digital technology. You were a grounded person for everyone in the family. You walked...

Dear Joan, I only knew you through your daughter Sally who has been my dear friend for exactly 41 years, since we met on the freshman backpacking trip at Reed College in August of 1978. Through her, I have heard stories of you, you and Steve, your life in Tanzania, Navaho lands, and New Mexico, Grandfather's cabin in Tennessee, your political activism and passion for justicewhich is a big focus of my life and arena's of focus, too. How I wish I could have met you and talked with you about...

My dear sweet Joan...how we loved coming to you and Steves home...it was always so warm and interesting with all of your treasures of all your travels....especially your African table cloths and baskets..not too mention the wonderful cooking. We always looked so forward to seeing you two....what a lovely surprise when you mailed us the hand carved birds from Gatlinburg , ....Tennesee....always so thoughtful. My dear friend, ,Joan ...how do Frankie and I ever thank you and Steve for producing...