Obituary of Joan L. Trefts

Joan L. Trefts died in Jamestown, N.Y. on Friday, August 13, at the age of 91 of non-Covid related heart issues. Her effervescence, ready smile, and intelligence will be sorely missed. Joan was born in January 1930 in Bellevue, PA to the late Eleanore C. and William H. Landenberger and lived in Pittsburgh until moving to East Aurora, NY in 1947. She first came to Chautauqua Institution in 1949 with her future husband, Albert S. Trefts, grandson of Dr. Albert H. Sharpe, for whom Sharpe Field is named. Joan fell in love with Chautauqua and enthusiastically looked forward to the advent of each summer season. She rarely missed a lecture or concert and was actively engaged in its summer life. She was elected 'Chairman' of the new Junior Department of the Chautauqua Women's Club in 1963 and later served as the Chautauqua Women's Club vice president. A graduate of the CLSC class of 1970, Joan became Class President as well as a trustee. She avidly read each year's set of CLSC books and earned her membership in the Guild of the Seven Seals in 2008. She also served as a trustee of the Presbyterian Association ("The Presbyterian House") at Chautauqua. Joan graduated from Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio in 1952 and continued to be active in its alumnae activities, serving as President of the Western College Alumnae of Northeastern Ohio for many years. Joan and Bud were married in June 1952 in East Aurora, NY, and after completion of Al's active duty in the U.S. Navy, lived there until they moved to Shaker Heights, OH in 1964. The mother of five, Joan spent her first years in Shaker supporting her children through a constant stream of school events, athletic competitions, music lessons and more. She also served as a member of the boards of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Playhouse, and the Western Reserve Historical Society, and as Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Fairmount Presbyterian Church. She was active in several genealogical organizations and was elected President General of The National Society of The Dames of the Court of Honor. She was an avid member of the Cleveland Skating Club and the Union Club of Cleveland for years. Joan began her 40 year career in high school-level teaching, administration, and supervision in multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-language, urban, suburban and independent school settings within Greater Cleveland in 1972, teaching courses in chemistry, molecular chemistry, physics, child development, home nursing, home management, advanced foods and nutrition, consumer education, mathematics, and special education. In May 1982, she received her Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from John Carroll University, attaining certification in both disciplines in Ohio and New York State. Two years later, she earned her Master of Economics at John Carroll. A dedicated educator, she served as vice-principal of two high school summer schools and finally retired from teaching is 2012 at the age of 82. She dearly loved and was devoted to her students and fellow teachers and was so proud of their many accomplishments. After her retirement, Joan spent her summers at Chautauqua and the 'off-season' in Shaker Heights, OH, Dunedin, FL, and Stillwater, ME. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Albert S. Trefts, in 1998 and his parents, Dorothy S. and George M. Trefts III as well as her parents, Eleanore C. and William H. Landenberger. She is survived by her five children -- Dorothy E. Trefts (Daniel J. McEvoy), Albert S. Trefts, Jr. (Victoria), William G. Trefts, Deborah C. Trefts, and Dr. Elizabeth Trefts. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Albert S. Trefts III and William P. McEvoy, and Dede's stepsons, Jonathan and Andrew McEvoy (Laura), as well as Andrew and Laura's three children. A graveside service for family and close friends will be held on Wednesday, September 8th at the Chautauqua Cemetery. Given her love of Chautauqua, her lifelong dedication to science and education, and her constant support of her children's endeavors, including 2 who have worked tirelessly to help save Chautauqua Lake -- one as a Trustee of the Institution and the other as a member of the CWC board -- in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy or the Chautauqua Foundation's 'Lake Conservation Fund' would be welcomed.