Joan Eidinger

1945 - 2018

Joan Eidinger

Phoenix - Joan Eidinger, editor and publisher of Greyhound Network News (GNN), passed away peacefully in her sleep as a result of Alzheimer's disease, in Phoenix, Arizona on February 6, 2018.

Because Joan was profoundly moved by the slaughter of 143 racing greyhounds in Chandler, Arizona in 1992, she dedicated the next 15 years of her life to protecting greyhounds in the racing industry through the publication of GNN Newsletter.

Joan's extensive research ensured that every issue of GNN was factual, and as a result, her newsletter became a reliable source of information about the dog racing industry. Her insistence on accurate, fair-minded reporting earned her respect from both advocates and the industry. Every issue of GNN is archived in the library of North Carolina State University. In 1993, she was the first animal welfare advocate to be invited to speak on the subject at a national dog track industry symposium.

Joan was influential in the passage of the Arizona Humane Treatment Act of 1993 for racing dogs. GNN was instrumental in grassroots legislative campaigns that led to the banning of dog racing in eight states. She also helped rescue greyhounds from research and terminal teaching labs. In 2004, the Arizona Department of Racing appointed Joan to the Greyhound Racing Task Force, where she worked to improve conditions for the dogs at tracks. The results of Joan's tireless efforts live after her.

Joan was devoted to her husband, artist Howard Bernstein, and they spent more than 50 years together. In their early years, they traveled the U.S. in a panel van from Alaska to Mexico and from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. Joan loved to work with wood. Given a radial saw and some wood, she could build everything from customized compartments in the van to elaborate wooden trunks. As an accomplished, self-taught artist, she was commissioned to design massive wall art that was installed in commercial establishments, including Scottsdale Civic Center. Joan was also a fabulous, creative cook and always set a lovely table in her small "cantina" with colorful Mexican dishware. Her artistic eye was evident in everything she did.

Joan loved nature. She and Howie would take their beloved greyhound to the top of Mount Lemon and just chill. She loved going to Granada Park to watch their dog splashing in the ponds and they would often go to Piestewa Peak to be part of the mountain for a little while.

Joan's friendship was treasured by all who knew her.

Joan was born on August 21, 1945 in New York City. She was the daughter of Arthur Eidinger, from Germany, and Beatrice Mullaney, from Claremorris, Ireland. She is survived by her loving husband, Howard. Many thanks to Avista's wonderful staff for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Joan's Life will be held on Wednesday, March 28th from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, at Avista Senior Living, 350 E. Eva, Phoenix, Arizona, 85020. Her friends are encouraged to share remembrances and stories. Please share memories and photos of Joan at her online memorial at www.Legacy.com



Contributions in Joan's memory may be made to:



Greyhound Protection League

P.O. Box 669, Penn Valley, CA 95946



Little Orphan Animals

5150 N. 13th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85014



Animal Defense League of Arizona

P.O. Box 33093, Phoenix, AZ 85067