Joan
Lear Wulfson passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her
family, on September 14, 2023. Joan was born to the late Edwin Lear
and Frieda Reichel Lear on June 14, 1931, in Elizabeth, N.J. She
graduated from Battin High School and went on to graduate from
Trenton State Teachers College, where she studied to become a
physical education teacher. Joan was interested in athletics from a
young age. She first played tennis in high school, as well as
basketball and volleyball. In her phys ed teacher training, she would
learn numerous other sports. Tennis would continue to play a
prominent role in her life.
Joan
taught phys ed at Westfield High School for three years and was
working there when she met Jay Wulfson. In 1955, they were married in
Elizabeth, N.J. While living in East Brunswick, N.J., they started a
family and soon had four children: David, Lisa, Todd and Gary. In
November 1963, they packed the family up for the big move to
Burlington, Vt., where she helped Jay start the Vermont Railway from
the remnants of the Rutland Railroad.
There
was a lot of work to be done, and Joan gracefully handled
multitasking before it was a thing. She excelled at organization. As
the kids grew older, she was able to apply those skills as a
volunteer and board member for a number of organizations, including
the Baird Children’s Center. After she and Jay divorced in 1974,
Joan took on the role of office manager at Christ Church Presbyterian
and didn’t relinquish it for 25 years.
In
1975, Joan met John Q. Caswell, and their mutual love of tennis
became the backdrop for a loving partnership that lasted until his
death in 1998. John’s sons Craig and Chris were devoted to her and
continuously checked in on Joan and remained close for the next 25
years.
Over
the years of living in and around Burlington, Joan made many special
friendships. She devoted her energy and organizational talents to
many causes. Her work organizing the state’s amateur tennis leagues
may be what connected her most to the Vermont community. She was the
USTA League Coordinator for Vermont for over 25 years. Her
outstanding work in Vermont was recognized, and she was asked to join
the board of USTA New England, where she served for many years.
Joan’s dear friends and travel partners Mary Selby and Diane Meyer
traveled with her to New York, France, England and Australia to
attend each of the tennis Grand Slam tournaments.
After
snowbirding in St. Petersburg, Fla., for many years starting in the
‘90s, Joan moved full time to St. Pete. As would be expected, she
spent time there as president of the Women’s Tennis Association of
Isla Del Sol Yacht and Tennis Club.
In
2019, the draw of her grandchildren and children outweighed her
distaste for cold weather, and she moved back north to Shelburne, Vt.
Her family was so happy to have her close by for her last years.
Joan
is survived by her sister Carol Reed of Belvidere, N.J.; sons David
(Chrissy) of Shelburne, Todd of Burlington and Gary (Danielle) of
Bristol; grandchildren Christy, Jenna, Nicole, Christopher, Angela,
Jessica, Alexandra, Samantha, Anna, Jacob and Sierra; and
great-grandchildren Lily, Evelyn, Grayson, Sawyer and Steele. She was
predeceased by her daughter, Lisa. Joan had some special caregivers
over the last few years, including Mary Joy “MJ” Patchett,
whom she thought of as a dear friend, and her granddaughter Angela
Navin, who grew very close while helping during Joan’s final year
in Florida.
A
gathering in her honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made locally to Kids on the Ball, 19
Lindenwood Dr., South Burlington, VT 05403. Joan’s legacy of love for
her family, passion for tennis and dedication to her community will
be cherished and remembered always. Arrangements are in the care of
Champlain Cremation Service. To send online condolences to her
family, please visit
vtfuneralhomes.com.
This article appears in Sep 20-26, 2023.