Joan B. Chase

Dr. Joan B. Chase passed away on October 10, 2025, at her home in the Whisper Valley community near Austin, TX. She was 89 years old. Born in Brooklyn on June 11, 1936, to Noah and Anne (Witkin) Chase, Joan is survived by her older sister, Elaine Weinstein of Irvine, CA, Elaine's three adult children, Marc, Beth and Rachel, and their families. She was also beloved by many cousins with whom she maintained regular contact.

While she never married or had a family of her own, she was a very special presence in the lives of her family and friends. She is remembered as a woman who was strong and independent, who possessed a sharp mind, a joyful and generous spirit and who had a passion for positively impacting the lives of others as a teacher, psychologist and friend.

Joan was a trailblazer who received a Bachelor of Science in Education of the Visually impaired in 1959 and was among the first women to earn a doctoral degree when she received her Doctor of Education degree from Rutgers University in 1968. Her early career was as an education counselor for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, an instructor at Jersey City State College, an Associate Professor at the University of Texas, Austin and an Assistant Professor at Hunter College, CUNY. After receiving her doctorate, Joan was an Associate Professor at the Robert Woods Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.

Throughout her career, Joan developed curricula and methods of testing to benefit the blind and visually impaired as well as other special needs populations. She was always ahead of her time.

Joan was well-traveled, politically engaged and a passionate advocate for civil rights, social justice, and the health and safety of women and children. Joan understood and acted on the importance of civic engagement to ensure the rights of all people are protected. Joan will be remembered as a woman who broke down barriers, opened doors for others, was intellectually engaged throughout her life and who had endless curiosity, a determined spirit and a wonderful laugh.