Joan S. March (Ryweck) of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Nov. 28, 2020, at her home. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Joan was born in Chicago on Mother’s Day May 8, 1932, to Benjamin and Janet Ryweck. Joan was their youngest daughter growing up with her siblings Sidney and Norma.
Joan was a graduate of the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois, with degrees in education and music. She was an elementary and Sunday school teacher in Illinois. She also taught first-grade Sunday school at Congregation Beth Shalom in Kansas City.
Joan met her husband Walter on Sept. 22, 1956, at Rosh Hashanah services when he asked if she could move down one seat to make room for him and his date. Joan and Walter were married on April 7, 1957. Walter was the love of her life. They were married for over 52 years and Joan missed him greatly after his passing in 2009.
On Dec. 28, 1960, Joan and Walter with their two children moved from Chicago to Kansas City. After arrival in Kansas City, Joan became an active member at Congregation Beth Shalom. She was a life board member of Sisterhood, served on the synagogue board, Ritual Committee, Cemetery and Chesed Committee. She volunteered at the gift shop and the synagogue office and sang in the Beth Shalom choral group. For many years she was the Friday morning minyan captain and the recipient of the Certificate of Honor from Sisterhood in 1993 and the Certificate of Appreciation in 1999 in recognition of 18 years of service. She received the Kovod Award, the highest honor at Beth Shalom, on Oct. 30, 2009.
Joan was a life member of Hadassah and a life member of the Spertus College in Chicago. She was a member of National Council of Jewish Women, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Friends of Art of the Nelson Atkins Museum and Powell Gardens.
Joan, along with Walter, was a founding parent of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She was an honorary member on the Academy board of directors and a life member of the school auxiliary. She was co-president of the Academy P.T.A. 1968-70. From 1971-1987 she was the manager of the Academy thrift shop.
An important motto of Joan’s was “give of one’s self, expecting nothing in return.” Joan especially loved to give the pots and bowls that Walter made in his ceramic’s studio. Walter’s art is scattered all over the world.
Joan loved to travel with Walter and experience what the world had to offer. They traveled extensively in the United States, hiking, camping, skiing and fishing. They traveled to Israel, Europe, the Caribbean and Canada. Joan was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, attending many games at Wrigley Field and Soldiers Field. She loved opera and listened weekly to the Metropolitan Opera broadcast from New York.
Joan and Walter opened their home to anyone in need of a Shabbat or holiday meal. They “adopted” many young families in the community. Twice a year Joan made the most delicious gefilte fish and her chicken soup was featured in a Jan. 12, 2000, Kansas City Star article. Joan found great pleasure in setting a beautiful table and serving a wonderful meal to friends new and old.
Joan never forgot a birthday or an anniversary. Once you made her list, you never got off. Many will miss getting her handwritten cards.
One of Joan’s favorite sayings was “Just remember to enjoy each day, each moment, for you never know what the next minute in life will bring.”
Joan will be remembered as a Woman of Valor. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.
Joan is survived by her daughter Susan F. March of Los Angeles; son Aaron G. March of Kansas City; daughter Janet (Alan) Salle of West Bloomfield, Michigan; and beloved granddaughters Rachel and Emma Salle of West Bloomfield. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends. Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter of 52 years; her beloved granddaughter, Dina Beth Salle; her brother Sydney Ryweck; and sister Norma Schaffner.
Contributions may be made to the Benjamin Ryweck Torah Fund at Congregation Beth Shalom, 14200 Lamar Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223 or to the Dina Beth Salle Memorial Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, 1360 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.
