Joan S. March Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joan S. March (Ryweck) of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on November 28, 2020 at her home. A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Joan was born in Chicago Illinois on Mother’s Day May 8, 1932 to Benjamin and Janet Ryweck. Her parents were born in the United States and they married in Philadelphia. 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 taught 3rd grade at Central Elementary school in Wilmette, Illinois. She also taught at the Anshe Emet Sunday school in Chicago and 1st grade Sunday school at 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 at Anshe Emet Synagogue by Rabbi Ira Eisenstein and Cantor Moses J. Silverman. 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 December 28, 1960 Joan and Walter with their 2 children Susan and Aaron moved from Chicago to Kansas City. Their daughter Janet was born in July 1962 back in Chicago since there could not possibly be any real doctors in Kansas City. A mindset Joan learned was not really accurate. After arrival in Kansas City, Joan became an active member at Beth Shalom Synagogue. She was a life Board Member of Beth Shalom Sisterhood, served on the Synagogue board, Ritual Committee, Cemetery and Hesed 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 the Sisterhood in 1993 and the certificate of Appreciation in 1999 from Beth Shalom in recognition of 18 years of Service. She received the Kovod Award, the highest honor at Beth Shalom on October 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 Powel Gardens. Joan, along with Walter, was a founding parent of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She was an honorary member on the Hyman Brand Board of Directors and a life member of the School Auxiliary. She was Co-President of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy P.T.A. from 1968-70. From 1971-1987 she was the manager of the Academy Thrift Shop where all proceeds were given to the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. 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. Through Joan’s need to give, 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, throughout Europe, the Caribbean and Canada. Joan was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, attending many games at Wrigley Field and Soldiers Filed. She loved Opera and listened weekly to the Metropolitan Opera broadcast from New York. Joan and Walter opened their home to any one in need of a Shabbat or Holiday meal. They “adopted” many young families in the community. Susan, Aaron and Janet would often come home for the holidays and find that they had new “family” members at the table. Twice a year Joan made the most delicious Gelfite fish and her chicken soup was featured in the January 12, 2000 Kansas City Star article entitled “Finding Comfort and Spirituality in a Bowl Soap.” 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, California; son, Aaron G. March of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Janet (Alan) Salle of West Bloomfield, Michigan; and beloved granddaughters Rachel and Emma Salle of West Bloomfield, Michigan. 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. In lieu of food or flowers, contributions may be made to the Benjamin Ryweck Torah Fund at 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.

Joan S. March

May 8, 1932 - November 28, 2020