Joan was born in Springfield, MA on June 24, 1931. She graduated from Springfield Classical High School in 1949 and Smith College in 1953. She received her Master’s degree in Library Science from Columbia University in 1955 and a graduate degree from Boston University as a media specialist in the 1980s. Joan married Fredric Ehrich on September 4, 1955 and together they spent a magical first year of marriage in Derby, England. They lived one year in Kansas City, MO and then settled in Marblehead in 1957.
Joan was smart, witty, generous and loving. She was extremely well read and devoted much of her life to sharing her literary knowledge and her passion for reading. Her career as a librarian began during her first year of marriage, in England, where she worked on a library bus in a rural community. In Marblehead she established the library at Temple Emanu-El. She then became a Marblehead school librarian, first at several elementary schools, and later at the Middle School. Joan loved to find books to inspire her students, and she introduced many to the joys of reading. After her retirement in 1993, it was not unusual for former students to stop her on the street, embrace her, and thank her for introducing them to books. In retirement, Joan ran a lively book club, leading discussions enriched by her extensive research on the author, reviews and historical background.
Joan was devoted to social justice. For more than five decades, she was an active and enthusiastic member of the League of Women Voters of Marblehead. She helped investigate issues ranging from the quality of the local drinking water to domestic abuse. For many years, she also edited the League’s monthly newsletter. Joan was active in other causes as well: she worked to improve teacher salaries in the Marblehead Public Schools and helped to resettle Russian Jewish refugees.
Joan had a deep appreciation for the arts. She loved to sing, to listen to music, and for years helped sponsor the chamber music festival in Marblehead. She painted in watercolor and wrote and illustrated books for her grandchildren. Art museums, dance and theater performances were an integral part of her life with Fred. She also enjoyed travel and experiencing other cultures. She and Fred hiked over 100 miles in the Rocky Mountains and travelled extensively in Europe, Mexico, Central America, Morocco, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and China. However, Joan maintained that Marblehead was the most beautiful place of all. She and Fred enjoyed walking through the winding streets of the old town, relishing the views from the lighthouse, Fort Sewall, and Crocker Park, sailing out of the harbor on their boat “Eldina” and then later “Blythe Spirit”, entertaining friends and family on their deck overlooking Doliber’s Cove or in the beautiful backyard garden that they nurtured.
Joan was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She took great joy in each person’s individual gifts and engaged with them through their interests. Her marriage to Fred was a model of mutual respect, love, and joy. With her children and grandchildren, she was always open about her deep love and admiration. Joan is survived by Fred Ehrich, her husband of over 66 years, their three children and their spouses – Diane Ehrich and Martin Cohen of Melrose Park, PA; Elliot Ehrich and Nancy Donovan of Boston and Manchester, MA; and Naomi Ehrich Leonard and Tim Leonard of Princeton, NJ; and her six grandchildren, Hannah and Nathaniel Cohen, William and Fiona Ehrich, and Amara and Lily Leonard. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Robert Collier.
Donations in memory of Joan can be made to the Abbot Public Library, Attn: Director, 235 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945 or to The League of Women Voters of Marblehead, P.O. Box 1290, Marblehead, MA 01945.
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