Joan Sessel
Joan Ann Sessel, a lifelong learner who volunteered at Rocky Mountain National Park for 25 summers, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on Nov. 15, 2020, in Denver. She was 85. Rabbi Mendel Popack officiated at the Nov. 17 private family service at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“Joan was a lifelong learner, with a prodigious intellect and broad range of interests,” the family said. “She was never happier than when she learned something new, whether informally or through a class.
“She will be remembered for showering family and friends with special notes; her willingness to listen without judgment; bringing everyone together on holidays; and her helping hand to all.”
Mrs. Sessel was born in 1935 in St. Louis, Mo., where she lived the majority of her life, to Frieda and Elmer Rosen.
She earned a degree in education from Washington University in 1956.
Mrs. Sessel volunteered at her St. Louis synagogue and for the National Council of Jewish Women, among other organizations.
She was elected to the Clayton, Mo., board of education, serving for nine years, including three as chairwoman. She negotiated contracts and worked to integrate the district.
“This was important to Joan, and her memories of this time remained with her even in the fog of Alzheimer’s,” the family said.
Joan Sessel is survived by Marcus Sessel, her husband of 64 years; children Mark (Deborah) Sessel of Denver, Maurice (Kelly) Sessel of Michigan and Mary Sessel-Glassberg (Todd) of Connecticut; grandchildren Joslyn Sessel, Jaclyn Sessel, Jordyn Sessel, Raizy Hines, Talia Sessel, Hadassah Sessel and Bryce Sessel-Glassberg; and seven great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis or the Alzheimer’s Assn.
