Joan Hartman Imig rose to new life on Oct 23, 2014 at the age of 89. She was born on Sept 28, 1925 as the first of three daughters to Joseph and Ann Hartman of Jacksonville, Florida. Her parents were both attorneys, her mother the 2nd woman licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
Joan graduated from Robert E Lee High School in Jacksonville and attended college at University of Minnesota and later Vanderbilt University where she earned her Master’s of Social Work degree. She often told the story that she went to Minnesota for the snow. She even begged her sorority sisters at Alpha Omicron Pi to let her shovel the snow and they were happy to let her. Joan’s love of life led her to be active in many school activities including taking flying lessons to become a private pilot. After school, her dedication to helping others led her to work as a social worker in Jacksonville, Honolulu, and then Kansas City, Missouri. Lastly, her love of children called her to a job as an elementary school social worker in Palatine, Illinois.
After moving to Kansas City in the early 1950’s, Joan met the love of her life Charlie at church where she led the singles group. They married in 1956 and had three children, Sharon, David, and Peter. Throughout their marriage, they lived near Kansas City, San Francisco and Chicago. She and Charlie retired in 1989 and moved into their dream home in Pismo Beach, California. Their final residence was in Ventura, California where Joan has lived for the past 7 years at the Cypress Place Senior Living residence with her many friends. Joan was known for her ability to make those around her laugh and elevate their spirits.
Her love of adventure and travel took her to all 50 states, more than 40 countries, all 7 continents, an ocean crossing on the Queen Mary, and one trip around the world. Her favorite destination was Antarctica where she fell in love with penguins. She had a prized collection of Penguins most of which were loving gifts from her friends and family.
Joan had many hobbies, which she was eager to share with others. She liked to teach others her skills, including family members and those she met in her travels. Her creativity was multi-faceted, from teaching hula dancing, to community needlepointing, cake decorating, and upholstery. She also received many compliments on her work, which was proudly displayed in her home.
Joan was a devout Christian who spread the word of Christ wherever she lived, serving the Lord through the years in many aspects including the Altar Guild, volunteering in the thrift shop and ensuring others made it to service.
Survivors include her three children, of Sharon (Bernard) Schmitt, David (Karen) Imig and Peter (Evelyn) Imig, her four grandchildren, Katherine, Imig, Julie Imig, Kara Imig and Nicholas Imig, and her youngest sister, Nancy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie and her middle sister, Harri (Shirley.)
The family wishes to thank Comfort Keepers Home Caregivers of Ventura County for their dedication and loving care of Mom in her last days.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ventura on Nov 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM. The family suggests that memorial donations be made in Joan’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of San Luis Obispo County, 3480 S Higuera St #120, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Arrangements are private and under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.