The world is a little dimmer now that the brilliant light of Joan Diamond has left the planet. Joan’s capacity for joy, love, and friendship has touched so many. She spent her early years in the Hollywood Hills and Malibu where she developed lifelong treasured friendships. In college she went to UC Berkeley where she reveled in all of the adventures and energy of the decade. She was definitely a child of the 60’s and she kept that time in her heart and carried the spirit of those years throughout her life. She loved to tell the story of her father coming to visit her in her senior year of college and having him tell her, “enough of all of this frolicking and fun! Now pick something”. Joan picked education, a decision that would define her long and illustrious career.
Joan started as a teacher, but quickly transitioned to Special Education and found her calling working with children “who didn’t fit the mold”. After spending her formative years at Montevideo Elementary school and completing her administrative credential at night, Joan was excited to expand her scope and be awarded her first principal position at Bollinger Canyon Elementary School in San Ramon. Joan had great success at Bollinger Canyon and was proud to be given the opportunity to open a new school, Golden View Elementary. Starting the new school was the perfect venue for Joan to validate her beliefs that school climate and environment were crucial to creating an atmosphere where great learning could take place. She relished creating a bright, optimistic learning space and attracting dynamic and innovative staff members to help develop a flagship school.
When Joan took the principalship of Venture School, she really found her passion. She believed strongly in alternative learning and providing options in education. She truly believed that any student could be successful if they were offered the appropriate support and encouragement and someone took time to deeply connect and understand them as individuals. Joan took that time with each and every student and was adept at finding ways to connect with even the most challenged. Many former students have remained close to Joan and credit her with setting them on a path to success in their lives. Joan was a consummate educator, champion of misfits and underdogs, and truly perfected the art of education.
Joan was fiercely independent and committed to living life on her own terms. She triumphantly maintained her residence on the Oakland Hills, despite urging from friends and family to move to a more supportive living situation. Joan loved her house and the environment that embodied her she had created passionately. While it may have seemed overboard to others at times, Joan reveled in color, art and fun. The quirkier the better! This went for some of the characters in her life as well. Joan was known for being a true deep friend, good listener, and supportive beyond belief. She always wanted “to know” and went beyond the surface.
Although Joan only had one child, her daughter Andrea Greenfeld, the family of her heart was vast. Her grandchild, Juliet “Julsie” Anderson, was the light of her life. Joan was the kind of person who made friends her family. The people who will miss Joan are innumerable. She definitely left her mark. Although her physical presence is gone, she is deep within our hearts and her legacy stretches far and wide. When you see a sparkling Diamond in the night sky, please know that Joan is up there smiling at all of us.
