Joan Herrick Severin

Joan was born April 16, 1930, at Fort Ethan Allen near Burlington, VT, to Rachel and Park Herrick. 

She graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1948 and continued her schooling at Colorado A&M (later renamed Colorado State University). For a time, she did secretarial work for the athletic department.

Joan married Glenn Severin in 1951 and they later became the proud parents of five children. Glenn joined the teaching staff of the George H. Glover Veterinary Hospital in 1957, ultimately specializing in veterinary ophthalmology. Behind the scenes, Joan faithfully supported Glenn by typing, proofreading, and editing his book, "Severin’s Veterinary Ophthalmology Notes" for three editions in 1966, 1976, and 1995. The latter edition had to be retyped into a computer as the publishing process changed. Glenn dedicated the book to Joan, “without whose support this book would not have been possible”.

At one point in life, Joan faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels throughout the Fort Collins community.

In later years, she lived at the New Mercer Commons senior community. During a "Ted Talk" on creativity earlier this year she was asked, "How have you been creative during your life?" Without hesitation, she answered, "In raising my children," which she considered a high priority. 

She and Glenn made a conscious and intentional effort to be at every child’s and grandchild's athletic, theater, music and other extracurricular events, as well as graduations to support these much-loved children. She took her children to the library regularly, read the newspaper daily, kept up with current events, and researched topics of interest, whether at the library or on her home office computer.

She enjoyed genealogical research and built a family tree spanning 14 generations with nearly 2,000 entries.

Her late mother, Rachel, a college home economics graduate, taught her etiquette, sewing, cooking, how to entertain guests and nutrition. Joan also was known for her cheerfulness, keen sense of humor and being creatively thrifty.

She developed deep and lasting friendships, which she nurtured in person and through extensive letter writing. 

She loved birds, cats, and especially dogs. When she moved to New Mercer Commons some nine years ago, she brought her favorite companion beagle, Vicki. She cared for a variety of dogs throughout her life, and when Joan was in a room, other people’s dogs would gravitate toward her for a snuggle.

Her faith in Jesus was key to her life.

Joan is survived by sons, retired Army Col. Scott (Carrie) Severin and Mark (Lynn) Severin; daughters, Karin (Bill) Maulsby and Ann (Ken) Doty; and eight grandsons, three granddaughters and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn, brother Air Force Maj. Park B. Herrick Jr., infant son Glenn Jay Severin and two great grandsons.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Allnutt Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Focus on the Family.