Joan Altekruse

Dr. Joan Morrissey Altekruse, a distinguished physician, educator, and leader in public health, passed away on October 30, 2019, in Kensington, Maryland, at the age of 90. A trailblazer in her field, she left an enduring legacy of service, mentorship, and intellectual pursuit.

Born on November 15, 1928, in Cohoes, New York, Joan demonstrated an early passion for education. She graduated from Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, before earning a degree in biology from Vassar College. She continued her academic journey with a medical doctorate from Stanford University, followed by a Master of Public Health from Harvard University and a Doctorate of Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley.

Joan's professional contributions were profound. As Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of South Carolina, she played a pivotal role in shaping public health education. A mentor to many, she was committed to empowering promising women, supporting international students, and fostering the next generation of professionals. Her leadership extended beyond academia as she guided numerous organizations dedicated to these causes.

In 1949, Joan met her husband of almost 60 years, Ernest "Ernie", at Parris Island Marine Depot in South Carolina. She was among the first class of Female Marine Officers and was honorably discharged as a Second Lieutenant in 1951 before the birth of their son Michael. After completing medical school, she continued her service as an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service alongside Ernie at Naval Hospital Boston, achieving the rank of Surgeon before honorable discharge in 1964.

Joan and Ernie raised their family across various U.S. and European communities during his career in the Army Medical Corps. Later settling on a farm in Johnston, South Carolina, they bred thoroughbred horses and cattle. In retirement, Joan devoted herself to raising their adopted daughter with Ernie in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and later in Troy, New York.

Faith played an important role in Joan's life. Raised in the Roman Catholic tradition of her Irish heritage, she saw religion as an instrument for social good. After retirement, she pursued graduate studies in divinity and dedicated herself to volunteer work where there was need.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her children: Philip, Clifford, Charles, Sean, Lowell (Sam), Patrick, Lisa, Janice, and Erin (Katy); her brother John Philip Morrissey; her grandchildren Leslie Bandy, Alainya McNamara, Nicolas Altekruse, William Altekruse, Mathew Altekruse, Benjamin Altekruse, Jeremy Altekruse, and Leah Newton; and her great-granddaughters Kyla and Madison McNamara, and Helena Newton. She was predeceased by her husband Ernie; their son Michael Brenton; their daughter Mary Sarah; and her siblings Lynn Ann Strike and Dr. William F. Morrissey.

Joan's life was celebrated at Fort Myer Chapel in Virginia before she was interred with Marine Corps honors alongside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery on May 4, 2020. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many individuals she mentored throughout her distinguished career.

May her memory continue to inspire those who knew her.