Joan first came to Chiapas 11 years ago as part of a group from the Science Museum of Minnesota where she was a long-time volunteer and docent. She continued to make yearly trips to Chiapas visiting many of the local weavers, maskmakers and many other artesans.

Joan was a knitter, a singer, a gardener, a baker, and a voracious reader. A woman who strove to learn, to teach, and to share her talents with all those who knew her. She was a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and grandmother. She was a long time volunteer with the Science Museum of Minnesota working with the textile collection and participated in a number of trips to Mexico to improve installations.

After a 5 year struggle with cancer, during which she continued to visit Chiapas, Joan passed away August 31, 2009. Joan's love, curiosity, sincere interest in the world around her, and her generosity will be missed by all of her many friends.

Amigos de San Cristobal thanks the following people for their donations in memory of Joan:

Ruth Ladwig
Kate Hintz