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Joan Aldrin Obituary
Ventura, CA
Joan Ann Aldrin (Archer), former wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, passed away peacefully from natural causes after a long illness on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in Ventura, California at age 84. Joan was a very special witness and participant in history, adding her inimitable grace and humility to events that will be remembered for decades to come.
She was born to Michael Archer and C. Evelyn Cleminshaw on December 5, 1930 in Paterson, New Jersey. She graduated from Rutgers University in 1951 with a degree in Dramatic Arts, and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Theatrical Arts from Columbia University in 1953. Throughout high school and college Joan was enthralled with the performing arts and acted in countless productions, including five seasons of summer stock theatre. She also helped found the Clear Creek Country Theatre outside of Houston, Texas. Continuing to pursue her passion for the stage until her last days, Joan directed a play reading group at her retirement home.
The Theatre was her passion, and as fate would have it, her preparation for events to come. Joan married Buzz Aldrin in 1954 in Paterson, New Jersey. With the birth of their three children, Joan gracefully managed to keep everyone grounded in their down to earth family values while Buzz was preoccupied with the Air Force, fighting in the Korean war, writing his doctorate at MIT, and flying two manned NASA spaceflight missions, including the first mission to land on the moon.
During that historic time of the Space Race, Joan was an iconic figure of poise, charm, and humility for Buzz, as well as America. The subsequent Apollo 11 World Tour and relentless media frenzy was a true test of character for Joan. She became the representative of a true heroic American wife dedicated to her husband and country. These exemplary qualities remained with her through the years of international recognition, and unbridled media scrutiny for the rest of her life.
Following her divorce from Buzz, Joan took an administrative job at ABC television where she rose to a management position suiting her talents, and finally retired in 1998.
Joan is survived by her three children, James Michael Aldrin, Janice Ross Aldrin, and Andrew John Aldrin; grandson, Jeffrey Michael Schuss and great grandchildren, Nathaniel Walter Schuss and Benjamin Philip Aldrin Schuss.
For those wishing to honor Joan, the family suggests a donation to the American Lung Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sabrina Sayers Roman
January 4, 2016
Hi Jan, I was saddened to come across your Mother's obituary while on the internet. Although it's been close to 50 years since I last saw her, and you, I remember her with great fondness. You and I used to play together (in Nassau Bay) and your Mom was always there. I can remember her making lunch for us in the kitchen while your dog was walking around with the monkey on his back, swimming, and going up to the tree house even though the boys didn't want us to and your Mom running them off! She always listened and made you feel important, even though I was just a kid! I have lots of good memories of your Mom and being at your house. I just wanted to send you my sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers. She was a very special person.
September 8, 2015
May the GOD of all comfort (Psalms 83:18)
Be with all the Family and Friends.
My sympathy to all of you.
San Diego Ca
Angela smith
August 12, 2015
Jan I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother, and Jeffrey's Grandmother. My prayers to you and yours.
Condolences my friend,
Angela Smith
Kathy Cano
August 10, 2015
What an extraordinary lady Joan Aldrin was! Not only was she put into the limelight, but she also raise a family at the same time. I remember being in awe of not only the astronauts, but the spouses who stood by their sides every step of the way. Joan Aldrin came through with poise and dignity. She will be remembered as a part of history and her contribution to the space program. Condolences to the Aldrin family.
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Nancy Smollen
August 7, 2015
Dear Aldrin family,
I met your Mom and Dad when you all lived in Hidden Hills in 1973. I was so thrilled to finally meet them.
I am sending you all my condolences at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Rebecca Brant
August 7, 2015
Hello dear family,
It was such a pleasure to have our mothers get together in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. They had been best friends as teenaged cousins and only kept in touch by phone and letters over the years.
I was so pleased to finally meet Joan and spend a few days together. She left us with a standing invitation to come stay with her anytime, and faithfully kept the Christmas cards coming as greetings.
Love her to pieces, and am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Lois Clement
August 6, 2015
I remember meeting Joan in Muskoka, and being impressed with her manner of listening. A number of letters and Christmas greetings have gone between us. If I remember right, her mother is my grandmother's younger sister, Evelyn. We will miss being able to keep in touch!
vincent
August 3, 2015
Condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Joan. I hope you will find comfort and hope from the words found at John 6:39,40. May your wonderful memories of her warm your heart and put smiles on your face.
Karen Hao
August 2, 2015
To Joan's family,
Deepest sympathies to all of you. I met Joan in 1982, at abc-tv Hollywood. She was always caring and helpful to all of us here. We were a wild crowd...back in the day here. There were over 100 of us, plus a few strays, and she had to deal with us all. She fix our problem, & like little kids who scraped their knees, she consoled then sent you running back smiling ear to ear to work. We were all big kids. Joan was genuine. The calming adult it always felt good. I am still working here at abc-tv in Hollywood, Joan was missed when she left, and now forever. RIP dear Joan.
Nora Mosqueda
August 2, 2015
To the Aldrin family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Joan at ABC. She was liked by all and highly respected. May she rest in peace.
Keith & Jackie Moret
August 2, 2015
To Jan , Bruce and family
So sorry for your loss . Joan was indeed a beautiful and graceful woman and her devotion to her family was an inspiration. Jackie and I have very fond memories of her charm and grace. Our love and prayers are with you
August 2, 2015
Dear Andrew,
My deep condolences to you on the loss of your mother. I know how close you were. This is not easy, but please know she's in a better place. Sincerely, Frank Yunger, Westlake Village, CA
Jeff Hixon
August 2, 2015
Jan,
Helen and I are thinking of you and yours. We wish you peace and strength during this difficult time.
With love,
Jeff and Helen Hixon
priscilla Aguirre
August 2, 2015
To Jan and family, my condolences to you all during this most difficult time. Im so thankful i had the pleasure of knowing and caring for Ms.Joan Aldin such a dignified, special Lady. In such a short time of knowing her she left a mark in my heart. May the peace of God and his Comfort be with you all.
Priscilla Aguirre
kathe
August 2, 2015
To Joan's children,
Honor your mother by sharing memories.
Cry when it hits you; it's a form of healing.
Let others in; some are great listeners.
In time, accept that things will never quite be the same.
Meditate on life and meaning based on the scriptures.
Continue to live, find your new normal.
August 1, 2015
As you go through this period of losing a loved one, may you reflect on the many sweet memories shared with your mother and rely on our loving Heavenly Father for strength and comfort in the days ahead. My condolences to the family.-Psalm 9:9,10
Gene Marianetti
July 31, 2015
To James, Janice and Mike, please accept my sincere condolences. I was so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. As a member of the NASA public affairs team, I recall with fondness your mother and you guys, especially on August 13, 1969, when we flew to New York and Chicago for ticker tape parades and on to LA for the President's state dinner in honor of the Apollo 11 astronauts. She was truly a class lady who will be remembered for the way she lived her life and conduced herself under very difficult conditions. May God continue to look after you and your families.
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