Joan R. Greenwood, a 30-year resident of Pacific Palisades, died peacefully on April 21. She was 85. Joan was a lifelong teacher and donated her time reading to children at the Pacific Palisades Public Library for many, many years. During construction of the ‘new’ library she continued her volunteer reading at Village Books. She also served for more than 15 years on the Museum Service Council at the Los Angeles County Museum, then on the council’s executive board. After serving as a volunteer, she trained new council members. Born in Jamaica, Queens on July 3, 1922, Joan lived in Great Neck, Long Island during her teen years and attended George School in Pennsylvania for high school. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University with degrees in education. By the time ‘special education’ had become a recognized concept, Joan had been teaching special needs children for almost 10 years. She later was in the first class to receive a degree in special education at Cal State Northridge. In December 1943, Joan met Michael Greenwood, a Naval officer, at a party given by her mother. They immediately fell deeply in love and married in April. After the war they settled in Los Angeles where Michael had an escrow company and later managed commercial properties. They divided their time between a home in Los Angeles and an apartment on the sand in Malibu. Joan adored the ocean and appreciated every detail of long walks along the coast, swimming in the ocean and watching the sunsets from their deck. When they moved to the Palisades, two of the ‘requirements’ were a swimming pool and ocean views. Joan and Michael were active members of Leo Baeck Temple for more than 60 years. She taught first grade at the temple’s religious school for so many years that her former students had become parents of her newest students. An avid swimmer who enjoyed swimming daily until she was 83, Joan was also one of the rare people who always smiled at others, even strangers. She was interested in the lives and hopes of other people. Michael passed away, at the age of 91, in February 1997. To Joan the loss of Michael was immeasurable. Although she built a life for herself losing the love of her life was a heartfelt tragedy. Joan is survived by her three children, Paul (wife Robin) of Westchester, New York, James (Audrey) of Cheviot Hills, and Amy Greenwood of Pacific Palisades; four grandchildren, Zachary, Spencer, Karen and Laura; and her sister Zelda Fadem of New York City. Family contact: (310) 459-5530. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (800-272-3900).
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