Joan Jue Yen

Serendipity brought me to Joan's class at Phoenix College. But, her no-nonsense attitude, her ability to teach techniques and then allow her students to create their own style and the sense of camaraderie she inspired in her students, those are the reasons I stayed. Phoenix College has lost a fine teacher.

Though I can't say I knew her well, I did know her well enough to understand that she loved her family dearly and knew that she was deeply loved in return.

My warmest wishes go to her dear family.

Dearest Joan,
I am saddened by your departure. We were so close and yet so far. I know we never met but I did have the fortune of meeting your family. I heard wonderful things about you and I know that this world has experienced a loss. The loss of a mother is indescribable....My condolences to your husband and the rest of your family. I wish you well in your journey....

Beemeth

Thank you Joan for sharing your gift and expressions of art, always peppered with interesting stories. You exude wisdom and sensitivity that inspire others in so many ways. Your legacy lives on forever. We will miss you!

Auntie Joan, it is difficult to imagine a trip to Phoenix without you there...Your smiling face, your warm embrace, your kind and thoughful words. Yesterday, at dinner the three of us were praying and I asked God to look after Yeh Yeh (Dad) and PoPo (Terri's Mom, Mary Lew) and... our little Emily looked up and said "Auntie Joan too!". Terri and I smiled and gave her a big hug. We all love you soo much. You have given me a lifetime of treasured memories. God bless you, and God bless the entire Yen Clan

Joan was my art teacher at Cortez High School. I always enjoyed her calm patience and sense of humor. She made learning about art a wonderful experience that has enriched my life. My prayer is that Joan's loved ones will continue to be blessed by her creative life and precious memories.

Joan lives on through all the classes I teach, everytime I walk away from a student and share the "insight" with the class - just like Joan used to, whenever I ask one of those searching Joan questions. I bless the day Joan came into my life with her wit, brilliance, charm, and grace. My students, everyone in my life is a huge thank you to the enormous difference Joan is and always will be. Forever in my heart, my life, I am honored. Hers is a life worth celebrating for many generations, a legacy.

A fine teacher whose encouragement, knowledge, and humor inspired so many, Joan will live on in the memories and work of all whose lives she touched.

Joan was so intelligent and a wonderful role model to all of us.

Joan entered my life 12 years ago on her 70th birthday, I introduced myself to her and our friendship started immediately as we consulted on how I was to cut her hair. I had the pleasure of hearing about her art, trips, parties, weddings, and the beautiful stories of her children and grandchildren. Joan and I were both artists, the only thing that was different was our canvases, she inspired my artistic talents with the lines of the haircut she wore, I always enjoyed our monthly appointments and will miss Joan's inspiring gentle way. Thank you Joan for walking into my life and teaching and sharing so much with me! To Joan's husband, children and grandchildren, know that your wife, mother and grandmother loved you dearly and was so proud of each and every one of you!!
Will miss you every month,
Lisa Montgomery

I will always remember Joan as "Mrs. Yen" as she was my high school art teacher at Cortez High. She was the best teacher I have ever had. Years after graduating, I started teaching high school. I distinctly remember standing in my classroom on my first day thinking about my high school experience and wondering if I would be good at this job. I thought if I could teach like Mrs. Yen, I can't go wrong. She always had a smile and encouraging words about all the student's work. Her great sense of humor endeared her to all students, in high school and college. For the last year, I have been so blessed to be able to take her class at Phoenix College and was reminded in every class of her outstanding painting talent. Her work has changed and evolved over the years and continues to awe me. Every piece of art I view is influenced by the many things Joan taught me. She was a class act that God blessed with true artistic and teaching talent. Her work is a rich legacy for all of us to treasure. I loved her immensely and will always paint with her in my brush strokes and my thoughts.

It is with sorrow that I will never see and talk with my very dear Joan who has been a life adviser using her wisdom through words and her art to help find clues in this mysterious life. I am honored to have had her in my life as she has touched my heart in so many different levels that can last me a life time both on a daily manner and on vague artistic plane.
It is so wonderful to know how her kind and thoughtful family members have taken care of all that have been important in her life!
Mitra Kamali Katechis

Joan was one of the best teachers I ever had. Her complete understanding of the subject matter helped me to learn about art and the details of composition. She was an inspiration.
When she remembered me when I saw her several years later, I was again impressed with her thoughtfullness and sensitivity. Marla Hattabaugh

Dear Joan,
I will always remember you. Every brush stroke I make will pay tribute to you. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge.
Always your student,
Cindi Kishiyama-Harbottle