Joan Hollebeek Thomasson

Joan Hollebeek Thomasson, Grand Forks, ND, died Monday, November 16, 2015 Valley Eldercare Center Grand Forks, ND. She was 80 years old.   Joan Hollebeek was born July 18, 1935 Washington DC to John and Kathryn Hollebeek.   Joan married John Nelson Thomasson in October of 1954. She earned a BA in English and graduated with honors from Randolph Macon Men’s College in 1969 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa (before it went coed). She earned a Masters of Library Science from Catholic University in Washington DC, and an Education Specialist degree in Gifted Education from the University of Virginia. Joan worked as librarian in Albemarle County Public Schools in Virginia (Middle School, High School and Elementary School).  She also taught physical sciences to elementary students.  At the height of her career she was District Manager of all Albemarle County Public School Libraries. She taught English at Chengdu University of Science and Technology from 1990-1991. After moving to North Dakota, she volunteered to tutor students in English for the Chemistry Department at UND and also to stuff exams for large enrollment courses.   Joan was a wonderful mother, great baker, and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, and particularly Chinese brush painting.   She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Thomasson, Grand Forks; sisters, Jacqueline Clinton and Judith Hollebeek. She was preceded in death by her husband, John and by a brother, John ‘Wayne’ Hollebeek.   A celebration of Joan’s life will be Monday, November 23, 2015 at 5:00 PM in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Crozet, VA.Memorials are preferred to either of the following.... Friends Who Care Ministry( A food bank and support center from her home town in Virginia) Lucy B. Howe, Director P.O. Box 173 Batesville, VA 22924 Iota Sigma Pi, the National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry Donna A. Iannotti, Treasurer 250 Community College Parkway PB2-353B Palm Bay, FL 32909 http://www.iotasigmapi.info/Donations can be made to the society in general or for particular scholarships or awards.