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Hudgel's Swan Funeral Home

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Joan VAN DYKE Obituary

VAN DYKE, Joan 6/18/1937 - 12/22/2017 Ms. Van Dyke died peacefully on the afternoon of December 22, 2017 following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on November 13, 2017. Joan was born in Ludington, Michigan and moved to Tucson in the late 1940's. A poet, storyteller, educator, playwright and actor, Joan's passion was the the arts. She lived for the theater, writing and acting throughout her life. She received her Master of Arts from The University of Arizona in Childrens Theater in 1973 and performed in productions at The Rogue, Invisible Theater and Live theatre Workshop. Her professional career included "teaching children and adults free expression in a structured discipline," through Head Start, Wolf Trap, and Young Audiences. Joan also worked as a professional Mime and studied her craft with Marceau Marcel and Richmond Shepard. Joan Served on the University of Arizona's Theatre Arts Board and was instrumental in the inception of The Az Theatre Company in the early 60's. Joan is survived by her sister, Laura Stearns; her loving children, son, William Brinckerhoff, daughter, Laura Brinckerhoff; and grandchildren, William and Alexander. We miss you Oma! Joan's first book of poetry, Somersault Path is available through Amazon. Please consider honoring this bright, creative light with a contribution to The Live Theatre Workshop and/or The Rogue. Thank you to La Casa De La Luz and Visiting Angels for being there. Celebration of life will be held at a late date. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 31, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan VAN DYKE

23 Entries

William Sedlmayr

December 25, 2020

I still think of Joan & of course her daughter Laura ,God bless the entire family and the horses too

John Wilson

December 25, 2020

Thank you, Joan, for your bright and kind spirit and for your love of others' creative spirits that you awakened in them. We were always going to "do something fun" together. I'm sorry that never came to pass, but the friendship we shared keeps me warm when I think of you. Much love, John

Diane Wickwire

February 8, 2018

It was devastating to learn of Joan's illness and passing. Joanmom, my second mom, did so much for me in my lifetime. She opened her home to me with loving arms when I was 18 and severely depressed. She nurtured me, comforted me, reassured me, fed me, took me to plays, and taught me SO MUCH. I will never forget all she gave to me. Her last gift to me before passing was a dream in which she took me outside and showed me many colorful UFOs flying up in the sky. She was truly magical. Sending all my love to Laura, Bill and the whole family.

Salpointe Catholic High School

February 1, 2018

The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Joan's family and friends. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.

Peggie Allen

January 27, 2018

Laura - I am so sorry to learn of Joan's death. Although I didn't know her, I knew she was a special person by the way you spoke of her. You have my heartfelt sympathy.

Rich Amada

January 15, 2018

We've lost one of the great artistic spirits. But the wonderful memories of Joan will always be with me. For that I'm grateful.

Laura Brinckerhoff

January 14, 2018

Please join us to celebrate the extraordinary life of our Mom, Joan Van Dyke, at Hacienda Del Sol on February 11th, from 2:00-5:00, stories, tears and laughter and appetizers! Please come

Judy Robinson

January 6, 2018

Joan was a light and inspiration to so many! I'm so grateful I got a chance to have a brief chat last Spring. Her creativity and generosity will always be remembered. Much love to her family.

Peddunkel

January 6, 2018

Turtles sipping Bailey's in cowslips...

Michael Lee

January 5, 2018

I was touched by Joan in Ann Arbor where we studied mime together. It felt like we knew each other a long time, before and after, each of us learning, teaching and sharing in myriad ways, each of us weaving it into our own story. Joan, your story drew us in and delighted us. Blessings on your journey, Dear.

Michele Brubaker

January 5, 2018

Bill and Laura how I treasure the years your mom and I worked together with the Salpointe Mime Troupe! What was so inspiring about Joan was that she was always perfecting her craft with classes, seminars, personal experiences, travel THEN she would turn around and bring all her new lessons
back to her community and perfect our work. May you keep her inspiration, her light burning in all that you do! She was a Grand Dame in my theatrical life. Bless you, Joan.

Jaimee D'Angelo Sullivan

January 4, 2018

Just a lovely, lovely soul. She touched so many lives. We will remember her fondly. ❤

January 4, 2018

Sweet Joan Van Dyke....... So sad to hear she's gone.... Great memories with this lady.... Crème de la Crème... Started my collegiate teaching career with her at PCC-W Fine Arts.... Wow... She will be missed.... Blessings to the family....

Michelle Navarro

January 4, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family. Although we had not been in touch for many, many years, she gave me a lifetime gift no one had before. I knew her from theater, and with her beautiful hands, her lovely presence, she showed me how to bring more into a character, more life and energy, more beauty, than I had ever experienced, on to stage, and in to life itself. I remember one time before the first audience showed up, she had us close our eyes. She came around one by one with this tiny tinkling bell, spreading fairy magic on us. The gifts she gave me are passed on to the kids I teach now. Thank you, Joan, for sharing your gifts.

Norma Medina

January 4, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. I was so lucky to work with her as an artist and later to be her friend. She was always kind and generous and a wonderful mother. You're in my thoughts Laura

January 3, 2018

Laura and Bill and William and Alex
Your mother and grandmother was an amazing influence on Salpointe performing arts with her contribution as founder and teacher of the Pauper Mime Troupe. I spent some time in her presence both at school and in her home and was always in awe of her grace and kindness and great sense of humor. She was always a classy lady. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Betty and John Dadante

bill sedlmayr

January 3, 2018

Dear Laura,Bill and Family.I wanted to wish you strength and calm to help with the time now and going forward.
My M0m and Dad also want you to know that you're in there thoughts .
Your Mother was a multi-fa cited
Artist,Teacher who challenged the world as we know it.I am lucky to have known her.God Speed to You all ,respect and calm.
Yours,
Bill Sedlmayr

Dianne Ferro

January 3, 2018

Dear Laura and Bill,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was an amazing person. I remember her hosting Christmas carol parties when we were young and Thanksgiving dinner for all of us (including the Gables) when we were older. I remember her kindness and interest in everyone, no matter their age, and how special that made me feel. I am so glad that she and I were able to catch up in September. The world is a little less bright without her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dianne

Karen and Kelly Callan

January 3, 2018

Joan was always the light and smile in the room while working with her on the UofA Theatre Art's Board. Her zest for life was contagious and her authentic nature refreshing. She will be missed on this plane, but no doubt she is miming her way through new territory. What a gift she was to so many! Sending love your way.

Georgia Brousseau

January 2, 2018

I am so sorry to read of Joan's passing. I worked with her at a distance from Holladay when she was at Carrillo and in Fine Arts. She was a very talented teacher and inspiring person in the arts. We shall miss her.

January 2, 2018

Oh, dear Joan.I am so sorry you are gone from us. You have been a ray of light to so many of us over the years - your creativity and humanity inspired and us and brought us great joy. I am so sorry I did not know that you were ill. I would have been in touch, visited you and told you how loved you are. Your fellow thespian, John.

January 1, 2018

We are shocked and saddened to learn of Joani's sudden death. I haven't seen her for a long time and thought I'd been told she had moved out of town. I'm so sorry to have not known of her situation. Joani and I worked on the Board of Young Audiences which was only one of Joani's many contributions to theater and children in our our community. I adored her and was always boyed by her energy, enthusiasm and creativity. She had the most loving giving heart, always willing to do whatever project at her house. I'm just a bit stunned she is no longer on this side of the veil. So grateful for her life of service and love. She was a darling and a friend. I would so like to be informed of a service when decisions about a gathering are made. All the Thompson family sends our love. Sincerely,
Allyn Hansen Thompson [email protected]

December 31, 2017

BILL--- WE ARE SO SORRY -- YOU WILL HEAR FROM US LATER-- TINA AND DAN

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