Joan Rose Ewing of Fairport NY passed away in her sleep on November 8, 2018 after a brief illness. Joan was born on August 7, 1933 in Rochester N.Y., she was the daughter of Josephine and Luther Ewing. Joan was predeceased by her siblings Ralph (Erma) Ewing, Jane (Bob) Miller, Lorraine Smyth and John Ewing, Sr. She is survived by her sister-in-law Lavina Ewing, her brother-in-law Douglas Smyth, her loyal companion “Rosie” and several nieces and nephews.
Joan graduated from Nazareth College in Rochester NY in 1955. She went on to receive her M.S. in Physical Chemistry from Fordham University and her M.S. in Engineering from The University of Rochester. In 1973 she was the first woman to receive a PhD in Electrical Engineering from The University of Rochester.
During her 47-year career with Xerox Corporation, Joan was awarded 17 patents related to image reproduction. As a Researcher of Electrical Properties and Materials at the Joseph C. Wilson Center for Research and Technology in Webster, she spent much of her time at the end of her career finding mathematical formulas for working with prototype electrical devices. Joan retired from her position as Principal Scientist, Advanced Products and Technology, in 1997.
In 2000 Joan was awarded The University of Rochester’s “School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award” for exemplary contributions to technology, business, education and society.
Throughout her life Joan was a staunch supporter of higher education, an active volunteer for many organizations and member of the Church of The Assumption in Fairport, NY. A gifted artist, an avid hiker, kayaker, world traveler and motorcycle enthusiast, Joan will be missed by all who remember her as a talented, warm-hearted friend.
A Mass in Joan’s memory will be held on Saturday December 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of The Assumption, 20 East Avenue, Fairport, NY 14450.
Gifts in Joan’s memory can be sent to the Rochester Chapter HLAA, c/o Joan Kohler 15 Pickett Lane, Hilton, NY 14468, or online at https://hearinglossrochester.org/donations
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4 responses to “Ewing, Joan Rose”
Joan was a very special person. Blessed having known her
Joan was a close and dear friend for several years. I suggested she adopt her little “Rosie” from Lollypop, and she and her kitty were inseparable. Joan and I met in HLAA and she was instrumental in helping me become editor/publisher of our Newsletters. We went on a bus tour to Nova Scotia in 2013; she enjoyed traveling and sight seeing. Joan was an accomplished artist creating lovely glass windows and more. She will be dearly missed but is in a much better place now. Rest in peace, dear Joan.
Thank you Ginger for the many years of love, support and friendship you gave to my Aunt Joan. Thank you also for the beautiful card.
Thank you Sarah for a wonderful tribute to Joan. Joan was my mother’s cousin and while I did not know Joan well your stories certainly had the tone of a Smith family member. It was wonderful to peruse Joan’s photo album both for more information on her past and to see some great pictures of other relatives of mine.