Joan Carol Vandevoort

Joan Carol Vandevoort peacefully passed away on May 8, 2024. Joan Carol Alberhasky was born on June 20, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, to parents John R. Alberhasky and Erma M. Alberhasky.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. On June 23, 1962, Joan married the love of her life, Jerry Vandevoort, at St. Mary's Church in Iowa City. IA. As Jerry climbed the corporate ladder with Honeywell, Joan provided strength and stability as a homemaker. In their time living in New Brighton, MN; Claremont, CA; Issaquah, WA; Wayzata, MN; Andover, MA; and Paradise Valley, AZ, Joan created welcoming environments where friends and neighbors became like family, and her love and kindness touched the lives of many. She served in numerous community organizations, including Meals-on-Wheels, Welcome Wagon, and PTSA.

Joan also had an adventurous spirit, which led her to explore the world. She made memorable visits to South Africa, Israel, the Galapagos islands, Peru, China, Taiwan, Russia, and several European countries.

Joan's legacy of love, compassion and community building will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; her son, Brad Vandevoort, and his wife, Carolyn, of Redmond, WA; her daughter, Kristin Emerson, and her husband, Dave, of Dallas, TX; and her grandchildren, Steven, Matthew, Thomas, and Michael Emerson and Nathan and Tyler Vandevoort. Her brothers, Tim and Ron Alberhasky, and sisters, Lory Miller and Bev Miller.

The Vandevoort family would like to express gratitude to Sagewood's Acacia nursing staff and Judy Tatum, her caregiver. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Joan Vandevoort.

A Phoenix celebration of life and blessing of ashes will take place at 3pm Thursday May 23, 2024 in the Oasis building in the Sagewood retirement community located at 4555 East Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Light refreshments will follow.

Joan's burial mass will take place at 2pm Saturday June 22, 2024 in St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church located at 228 E Jefferson St, Iowa City, IA 52245. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's cemetery located at 1122 N Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA. Following burial there will be a light meal in the church hall.