Joan Rothenberg passed at home surrounded by loving family on February 2, 2021. Born March 9, 1956 in NYC, Joan grew up in New City, New York. She attended local schools, Northeastern University and received her Master’s degree in education from Lesley College. Joan had a decades-long career as a medical transcriptionist extraordinaire and re-tooled to work in voice-activated communication.

Joan was an avid reader, especially science fiction and mysteries. Joan was a lover of music and musical theater. She spent a part of her life immersed in the Boston Jazz/Blues scene with then partner James (Snooky) Carter.

Joan’s was a proficient NY Times Crossword Puzzle Solver. and a terrific Scrabble player who loved game time with family. Joan loved time around the art table or singing at the campfire and always arrived to our big family gatherings with delicious offerings. She loved to pick flowers and arrange a pretty table. Joan was a master knitter creating wonderful sweaters, socks, scarves and hats for herself and many others.

After moving to the Valley to be closer to family, Joan joined a knitting circle, exercise/dance classes, a choir, a writing group at the Hadley and a wonderful, women’s group and spent more time outdoors exploring her surrounds. She made new and dear friends.

During her last illness, Joan’s true nature shined through, with equanimity and patience which she modeled for us all, how to go through hard times with grace and acceptance. A true survivor in every sense of the word, Joan will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Doris Cynthia (Jaffee) & Harry Rothenberg, and partner, James “Snooky” Carter. She is survived by brother, David Rothenberg (Lauren Comando), sisters Amy Rothenberg (Paul Herscu) and Nancy Rothenberg (Eric Conz);  nieces, Sophia, Allyson, Olivia and Ruby, and nephews Misha and Jonah and many friends. She was loved and cared for by Diana Venman, Maria Correia and her dearest friend and partner in crime, Donna Heussler. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to All Out Adventures.