Former Board President Joyce Rutman (1928-2014)
We are saddened to share news of the death of Joyce Rutman, former Miquon school counselor, parent and Board President. Joyce died on February 4, 2014 after a brief illness. Joyce was pre-deceased by her husband of 56 years, Irvin Daniel Rutman, and is survived by her two daughters and Miquon alumnae Kimberly Carver (’68) and Debbie Rutman (’72), son-in-law Daniel Nevin, and granddaughters Geneviève and Gabrielle.
Joyce began her career in the 1950s working with children and youth in the foster care system at Northern Home for Children. She then worked for over 30 years in various school settings as a counselor and was at Miquon in the 1960s and 1970s. Joyce received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology in 1970 from Temple University. Along with her husband, Dan, Joyce was active in the peace and civil rights movements.
Following her retirement, Joyce was a committed volunteer at Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) and was a passionate advocate against violence and abuse of women and children. In 1999, Joyce and Dan moved to Victoria, British Columbia to be with Debbie and her family.
Joyce lent a thoughtful, listening ear to all who knew her and was known for her kindness, compassion, warmth and wisdom. Joyce’s spot-on Miquon diploma read:
Know all people by these present that JOYCE RUTMAN… For keeping her head while all those around her are losing theirs; For being a haven of quiet rationality in the midst of any chaos; For making all the calls no one else would make; For having an ‘Oh?’ for every occasion; For facing mice, bleeding children and snowy roads with admirable courage; For making each of us feel better when we came out than when we came in; And for always saying the right thing… is hereby declared an honorary graduate of the Miquon School.
At the family’s request, please consider making a contribution in Joyce’s memory to Miquon or to WOAR.
