The Iversen-Smyth Family (1976)
Top left to right: Terry Smyth, Jack Iversen, Joan Smyth Iversen; Bottom left to right: Tod Iversen, Kristen Iversen, Nancy Smyth, Jill Iversen

An earlier version of these reflections was read by Nancy Smyth, Joan’s oldest child, at Joan Iversen’s Memorial Service, September 20, 2013.

My mother was a force of nature–a force for the universe to reckon with — we once jokingly called her “Hurricane Joan” not because she destroyed things, but because she was such a big presence, making her own path in the world, with such a large impact. If she decided that your life needed fixing or organizing, you didn’t stand a chance of resisting. Continue reading →