Joan H. Bader

Bader, Joan H.



Joan H. Bader, 81, passed away in her beloved home on September 23, 2016. Joan was surrounded by her family and friends in the days and weeks leading up to her death.

Joan was born in Hamilton, Ontario. She spent much of her youth in Mansfield, Ohio where she was a majorette with the high school band and was immersed in the dramatic arts. Joan attended Ohio State University, and in 1955, she moved to Albuquerque and started a family.

Joan was a devoted mother to her three daughters. She loved reading, cooking, hosting parties and gardening. Joan was also highly involved with volunteering in organizations ranging from the Albuquerque Symphony to being President of the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Zoological Society.

Joan is survived by a loving family: her partner Robert C. Coon; daughter Dana Watral, son-in-law Mike and grandchildren Adrienne, Tom and Juliet; daughter Beth Sommer, son-in-law Mark, granddaughter Natalie, granddaughter Sage, her husband Chris, and great-grandson Lev; and by daughter Deirdre Vance, son-in-law Steve and grandchildren Sean and Eryn. Joan is also survived by nieces Carla Bochnak and Sheila Art and by nephew Barry Horsman. Joan spent a lifetime cultivating friendships and is thus survived by oodles of wonderful friends.

A private celebration to honor Joan's life will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Albuquerque Symphony Orchestra or to the New Mexico BioPark Society (formerly the Rio Grande Zoological Society) will be most appreciated.

My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue

An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view

A wondrous, woven magic in bits of blue and gold

A tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold…