Jill Ann Fisher

Jill Ann Fisher, 45 year resident of Tempe, passed away July 12, 2003, two weeks short of her 76th birthday, at the East Mesa Hospice of the Valley Care Unit. Preceded in death by her parents, Thelma Foght Jones and John Paul Jones, she is survived by her husband of nearly 48 years, Dr. Marvin Fisher, a retired ASU professor, her daughters, Ann, Sarah and Laura, her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. John Paul Jones, M.D. and Mrs. Glenna Jones of Tucson. Jill's efforts in support of ASU began in 1958, working to persuade citizens to pass the proposition conferring University status on the former normal school. A graduate of the University of Minnesota drama program, she helped Dr. James Yeater revive theater activities at the newly renewed ASU. Appearing in several classical, Renaissance, and modem productions, she also voluntarily served as costumer. In the 1960's, when her husband held visiting appointments at universities in Greece, Norway, and California, she made homes for her family, attended to the children's schooling and greatly enlarged the family's circle of friends. (A later invitation to a German University in 1988-89 came after the children had grown, but with fewer responsibilities, she had too much time on her hands.) After the two years in Greece, she returned to Tempe and theater activities, playing the lead in Lyistrata, a memorable and timely production in the years leading to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. By the late 60's and into the 70's she deepened her interests in art history and in several areas of textile art. Her graduate study in these areas was both historical and practical and the walls of her home are adorned by the crafts she loved. Concurrently she was also drawn to more volunteer service to the University. Rudy Turk had launched a docents' program to enlarge ASU's community and educational outreach, and through that program, Jill began a long and loving relationship with the ASU Art Museum, lasting more than 25 years and including her participation in the Museum's Family Day less than a month ago. The ASU Alumni Association conferred upon Jill and her husband the James W. Creasman Award of Excellence in October, 2000. A memorial service will be held at the ASU Art Museum, 10th St. and Mill Ave., Wed., July 23rd at 5:15pm. Donations may be directed to the Hospice of the Valley or to the ASU Foundation for support of the Marvin and Jill Fisher Endowment Fund.