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In Memory of Dr. Joan Iversen

~ Honoring Her Legacy Through Building A Scholarship and Sharing Our History

In Memory of Dr. Joan Iversen

Daily Archives: February 14, 2014

“That steel trap mind never forgot anything”

14 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by Nancy J. Smyth in Reflections

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Jenifer and Bill Whitehill, long time friends, with Joan Iversen (2000)

Jenifer and Bill Whitehill, long time friends, with Joan Iversen (2000)

We met Joan in 1966 when she and I (Bill) began teaching at SUNY Oneonta. That same year, she and Jack became a couple to become constant threads throughout our lives.

Joan was an instant memory bank. That steel trap mind never forgot anything, even within our own family. She advised us on work issues, interior decorating with our limited budget and child rearing. Her advice was always sound. She was always there for us.

I (Jenifer) was teaching K-8 music (!) at SUNY Oneonta’s campus school. Back in those days, boys had music while girls had gym. Jenifer was having an awful time with 8th grade boys who had already had 9 years of student teachers, participators and junior participators. Joan helped me with suggestions and support.

Joan kept up-to-date on our family doings. We kept up on Joan and Jack’s 5 “kids” and even saw some of their performances. She also mailed up-to-date clippings from the New York Times, lest Bill might have missed them. During those early years, Joan quit smoking her 2-3 packs of cigarettes per day….cold turkey. We so admired her, since Jenifer found quitting one pack a day her most difficult accomplishment.

Joan found much happiness with Jack and their blended family. Much of their courtship was spent in our living room where we talked and talked. Apparently that nightly brief hour or two was difficult at home with 5 kids!

It is truly hard for us to believe she’s no longer here. How could such a brilliant, caring, dynamic woman just disappear? We are thankful for the friendship and rich memories.

~ Bill and Jenifer Whitehill

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Photo Gallery

Joan Smyth around 1967
Joan Smyth around 1967
Jack and Joan Iversen - Her 70th birthday party
Jack and Joan Iversen – Her 70th birthday party
Jack & Joan Iversen - Making Her Point at Her 70th birthday party
Jack & Joan Iversen – Making Her Point at Her 70th birthday party
Joan Iversen at her 70th birthday party, protesting having her photo taken.
Joan Iversen at her 70th birthday party, protesting having her photo taken.
Dr. Iversen & two student at the DC Rally
Pro-Choice Rally, DC, circa 1985 w/SUCO Women’s Alliance members Stevi Calandra & Robin Frankel
Dr. Iversen with trees in background.
Joan Iversen sponsoring a BBQ for the SUCO Women’s Alliance at her home on Goodyear Lake
Joan Iversen at podium, Mark Delligatti to the right
Joan Iversen Receiving Alumni Award, with Mark Delligatti, her nominator. Photo courtesy of Mark Delligatti.
The Iversen-Smyth Family, in 1976 Top left to right: Terry Smyth, Jack Iversen, Joan Smyth Iversen Bottom left to right: Tod Iversen, Kristen Iversen, Nancy Smyth, Jill Iversen
The Iversen-Smyth Family, in 1976 Top left to right: Terry Smyth, Jack Iversen, Joan Smyth Iversen Bottom left to right: Tod Iversen, Kristen Iversen, Nancy Smyth, Jill Iversen

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