Longtime Westport resident and active civic volunteer Joan Nathan died peacefully on April 2. She was 97.
The Trenton, New Jersey native earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bryn Mawr College, and a master’s in educational psychology from Columbia University. She met her husband Marvin in New York City. They married in 1951, and moved with their 4 children to Westport in 1964.
Her early career years were spent at Sears Roebuck as director of personnel testing. She resumed her vocation in 1970 with Westport’s Youth Adult Council, as director of job and volunteer placement.
Joan nurtured deep connections with friends and family which she nurtured throughout her life. She spent long, happy pre-computer hours on the pool deck at the Westport YMCA during swim meets; grilling hot dogs at the Little League concession stand; cheering from the hill at Staples soccer games and at Water Rats and Staples swim meets — plus hours of driving to every event her kids took part in up and down the East Coast, with her golden retriever Curry (and then Charlie) by her side.
On a 40th anniversary trip to Copenhagen, Marv died of a heart attack. With formidable inner strength and calm, Joan began a new chapter rebuilding her life in Westport.
Joan Nathan
An early member of Y’s Women, she soon became treasurer. She also produced their newsletter, and explored many interests through the group.
Her community at Winslow Park, growing family and friends bolstered her strength. Her dedication to women’s health and reproductive rights — a steadfast commitment to the legacy of her mother, a pioneering obstetrician/gynecologist — carried her through challenging times, and formed the foundation of her new life.
In her work and in parenthood, Joan’s ability to listen in earnest; her deep capacity for care; her emphasis on individual agency, and her genuine curiosity about people and their stories were all constants. She cared first and foremost about the worth and dignity of all.
She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren as someone who leaned into life with an open heart and an inquisitive mind – qualities that led to her lifelong love of the arts, travel, politics, and the New York Times crossword puzzle. Her continuous evolution in thoughts, ideas, perspectives and taste made her a wise confidante across generations.
Joan is survived by her children Ellen, Barbara (Chris), Rob and John (Ruby), and grandchildren Stacey, Tara, Misty, Jonathan, June and Frances.
In accordance with Joan’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to plannedparenthood.org. or a charity of choice supporting women’s health and reproductive rights.
We keep losing the great ones from Westport. But not the memories. RIP Joan.
To Joan’s kids, please accept my sincere condolences. Our moms were good friends over the past decades and I got to know Joan through my mother.
May her memory be a blessing to you all.
One of the original and all-time great swim and soccer moms. Sincerest condolences to the Nathan family.