Joan Gordon

Joan E. Gordon, age 86, passed away at her home in Madison, WI on Sunday May 9th, 2021.

Joan had many passions in life including dance, art, music, environmental and geological science and rock climbing.  Joan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor degree in dance in 1956.  She then went on to teach dance and physical education.  As her career evolved, her love of music and the arts continued to grow.  She began playing the bass at 38 and enthusiastically performed with the Evanston symphony orchestra. Always inquisitive and full of ideas, Joan created several inventions that she had hoped to patent.  Her final profession was as a well respected proof reader, specializing in scientific writing.

As a college student, Joan began rock climbing and traveling out west to climb with friends.  She relished the opportunities for adventure - traveling light, but always with her camera.  She had a lifelong interest in learning French and loved to visit France whenever possible.

She is survived by a niece and nephew.  She was grateful for the help and support of her friends towards the end of her life.  Joan’s is now buried at Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, WI.