San Rafael Woman Remembered As Artist, Photographer, Mother and Teacher

Submitted Content: 

Joan Bancroft - Artist, Photographer, Mother and Teacher

Joan Dorothy Bancroft passed away peacefully on April 15, 2014 at the age of 84.

A native of Providence, Rhode Island, she had been a resident of Marin County for the past 55 years.

Joan was a talented artist and one of the original members of the O'Hanlon Sight & Insight Art Center in Mill Valley. She was active with the Mill Valley community in the 1960s and 1970s, including working at the Family Service League Store, participating in the Homestead Valley Community Garden Co-op, and studying at the Green Gulch Zen Center. 

In the late 1970s she became disabled with schizophrenia which took her away from her family and friends. Since then, Joan has always be seen strolling the streets of San Rafael in her stylish outfits and carrying a camera.

Her presence will be greatly missed. She is survived by her two daughters, Sandra Fawn and Melissa Mari, as well as three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A private memorial will be held on Mt. Tamalpais.