Joan Yalman
- Published: March 26, 2009
Joan Osterman Yalman died at home on March 18. She was 83.
Although raised in New York City, Joan learned to love small town life when she and Richard moved to Yellow Springs, where Richard taught chemistry at Antioch College. Joan thrived in the small college town. They lived in Yellow Springs for over 30 years.
Joan graduated from Swarthmore College, earned an M.Ed. from Harvard, and returned to school after having children to earn her M.S.W. from Smith College. Joan’s interest in people led her to a long and successful career as a social worker. She worked as a social worker for Family Services in Dayton and Xenia and also had a private practice.
In 1983, Joan and Richard moved to Santa Fe to be near their daughter, Ann, and start a new chapter of their lives. They combined their interest in antiques and their desire to work together and opened an antique store, The Bedroom, which they operated for over 20 years. Joan also volunteered as a social worker at Esperanza.
Joan will be remembered for her unceasing curiosity in people and places. She loved to travel, was a marvelous cook, had many friends and was always a great listener. Joan will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Joan was preceded in death by two children, Jane and Seth; and her parents, Max and Hannah Osterman.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Richard; her two devoted daughters, Ann of Santa Fe, and Peggy of Concord, Mass.; her beloved grandson, Alexander of New York City; her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Albert Borowitz of Cleveland, and her nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held.
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