Joanne Swendsen Trimble
1939 - 2013
Joanne Swendsen Trimble, a 22-year resident of
Austin died on June 30th at the age of 74 from pancreatic
cancer at Christopher House of Hospice Austin. Born Joanne
Ruth Swendsen on March 12, 1939 in Fond du Lac,Wisconsin to
Robert Swendsen and Erna Hintz Swendsen, she graduated in
1961 from Valparaiso University with a major in mathematics,
followed by a Masters in 1963 at Purdue University and a PhD
in 1973 at the University of Pennsylvania. Earlier she
attended Pekin Community High School in Illinois, graduating
in 1961.
In 1965 the Trimbles moved to New York City and from 1965 to
66, Joanne taught at Hunter College, followed by Upsala
College from 1965-67. At this time the Trimbles participated
in The Linnaean Society of New York, during what surely was
its heyday. Christmas Bird Counts were pursued with gusto,
including the respected Montauk Christmas Count. It was on
this count that both Trimbles stayed in the Manor House on
Gardiner's Island, and experienced the hospitality of Robert
David Lion Gardiner and the exciting count guest Roger
Peterson (a bird guide autograph bears the date of December
16, 1978). After the University of Pennsylvania, Joanne
taught at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) from 1972 to 1984. It was during
this time that she participated along with her husband in
the establishment of a new Computer Science major.
In 1984, the Trimbles moved to Rhinebeck, New York where
Joanne joined the Math Department at Marist College in
Poughkeepsie. In 1992, she joined her husband in
Austin, Texas, where she accepted the pleasures of
retirement. Joanne delighted in each of two mini dachshunds
-- Hilbert, a red dapple, and Lindbergh, a black-and
tan retired champion.
She and her husband traveled widely, including many trips in
their Mooney Executive 21 aircraft, one of which led them on
an extended trip to Alaska (see web site
below). Other excursions included two trips to
Belize, six to the Bahamas, and one to Newfoundland which
included a landing in L'Anse aux Meadows (where
the Vikings came ashore).
Austin led to new personal opportunities for Joanne to pursue her prowess in dealing with words and
their placement and arrangement, she began concentrating
on the most difficult crosswords she could find, tackling
every single Harper's Puzzle (found at the very end of
Harper's magazine). A winner is determined by random
choice from all the correct puzzle submissions. After
winning for the first time, there came win after win,
finally amounting to four wins and what surely is a record
of some sort. Harper's finally established a rule that
made a submitter ineligible for one year following a win.
Perhaps her most enthusiastic activity was her beloved
water aerobics classes at the Austin 24-Hour Fitness club.
Joanne became a member of a tight-knit group of
like-minded water enthusiasts meeting three times a week
to be put through demanding sequences of aerobic
maneuvers. Friendships made here led to many social
activities which kept Joanne's calender really full all
year round. Many of the class visited repeatedly during
her final days.
On September 8, 2012, the Trimbles celebrated 50 years of
marriage at home with many close friends and family in
attendance. Pictures may be found below.
In May 2013, Joanne learned of her pancreatic cancer
diagnosis. She expended great energy and effort to join for
three weeks in a Trial of some new anti-Cancer agents.
Finally overwhelmed by the effects of her condition, she
withdrew to Hospice Austin where she died on June 30, 2013.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents and her brother
James and is survived by her husband of 50 years Benjamin
Andres Trimble, a sister-in-law Jessie Ozmelek (husband
Savas), a nephew Raif Ozmelek (wife
Kerry Ozmelek) and niece Aylin Lewallen (husband Mike
Lewallen).
A memorial get-together took place August
3rd, 2013 at 2:00PM CDT at the Trimble home -- 6300 Shadow
Mountain Dr., Austin. In addition, an Internet broadcast
took place Aug. 3rd. The text and broadcast video are
both available below.
.
Locally published obituaries for Joanne, the texts of
which are entirely included above, are to be found in
the July 3rd print edition of the Austin American
Statesman, as well as the Statesman Internet version at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=joanne-swendsen-trimble&pid=165649876
Guestbook from
the Statesman newspaper
Alaska Trip
Shadow Mountain (Neighborhood)
Pictures
Fiftieth
Anniversary Party
Joanne's Family
Memorial
Get-together Broadcast
Memorial
Get-together Essay Text
Bach
Bradenburg Concerto #6 (Karl
Richter)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joanne's
guestbook
(Original Guestbook, reproduced below,
is closed -- In lieu of signing, please
send comments to bt@btrimble.net)
Entry #: 38
Entry Date: 2013-12-12 03:42:27
Name: Jim Bloemker
Visitor Comments: I didn't get to know
Joanne well in person, although I did have
her for a computer class and a Math class in
Glassboro before the Computer Science major
was formed. I also messed up the compiler on
Ben's Xitan 80 computer doing something
stupid - I'm sure he remembers that!
(Sorry!) But what I remember most about
Joanne and about Ben as well has been the
sheer joy and love of life they had
together, which I read about every year in
their wonderful Christmas cards. When I saw
that they were married for 50 years, I could
truly say that it was 50 years of happy
marriage! She was a great teacher and a
great friend. And you could tell that she
and Ben were each other's best friends all
of their life together. What a wonderful
legacy! She will be missed by all whose
lives she touched, and there are a lot of us
out there. I will remember her and Ben
warmly every Christmas.
Entry #: 37
Entry Date: 2013-08-08 16:22:34
Private Entry
Entry #: 36
Entry Date: 2013-08-04 21:10:49
Name: Rich McGovern
Visitor Comments: Joanne was a generous and
gentle lady, a thoughtful colleague of great
ability and integrity, and a good and
faithful friend for more than forty years.
It has been a privilege to know her and a
great sorrow to loose her. Ben, you have my
condolences and my sincere sympathy.
Entry #: 35
Entry Date: 2013-08-03 13:23:55
Name: Benjamin Trimble
Visitor Comments: My heartfelt thanks to
family and friends who have been so
supportive in the past few months. I have
read all guestbook posts, many several
times. It makes me feel very good when I
read from others that Joanne has been a
significant part of their lives.
I thank you all.
Entry #: 34
Entry Date: 2013-08-02 06:06:03
Private Entry
Entry #: 33
Entry Date: 2013-08-01 22:52:39
Name: Bert Greenspan
Visitor Comments: I first met Joanne while
we were colleagues at Glassboro State/Rowan
University. Joanne and Ben became dear
friends of my wife,Sue, and me. She was a
thoughtful person with sensitive insights
into people and life. Often, after listening
quietly to a conversation, Joanne would
produce a perceptive observation that would
summarize or arrive at the core of many
minutes of previous discussion. She was an
avid reader, deep thinker and a fount of
information. I don't ever recall seeing her
without a slight smile on her lips or a
pleasant expression on her face. She was a
dear lady who will be missed. We extend our
warmest wishes to Ben with loving thoughts
during this difficult time.
Entry #: 32
Entry Date: 2013-07-31 16:05:50
Name: Celia Latz
Visitor Comments: I will miss Joanne very
much. I remember meeting her for the first
time when Ben presented his fiance to our
family - I must have been about 12. She had
a natural beauty with a noble patina. I was
impressed with both their interests in
birds, flying, nature, violin, and their
sense of adventure- like swinging on a vine
over a rocky river bed - ouch! The vine
broke and Joanne landed on her tail bone!)I
remember the chocolate wedding cake, and the
tossing of the bridal bouquet, later at our
house. It was coming into my hands but was
intercepted by my older sister who pounced
upon me to get it! They were a special
couple and an inspiration to me that has
positively influenced my life.
Entry #: 31
Entry Date: 2013-07-30 22:39:26
Name: Lynn Copeland
Visitor Comments: I knew Ben and Joanne many
years ago, first in New York, then
Philadelphia, and then farther afield. As a
group shared many interests and adventures
-- hiking, camping, photography, eating and
cooking. I could only admire her and Ben's
birding expertise. I was delighted to be
able to hook up from time to time in recent
years. Ben, my very best wishes to you in
this time of sorrow. Joanne was a wonderful
friend and partner and her death has left a
hole in the universe.
Entry #: 30
Entry Date: 2013-07-30 21:37:10
Private Entry
Entry #: 29
Entry Date: 2013-07-24 05:27:54
Name: Beth, Jim, Lindsay
and Jimmy Weeks
Visitor Comments: Joannes sudden illness and
passing happened so quickly. Our hearts are
broken. So glad that we got to visit her and
spend time with her shortly before she
passed away. So grateful our family moved to
Austin 15 years ago so we could get to know
my 2nd Cousin Ben and Joanne. We have shared
many wonderful special holidays and
occasions together, Christmas and birthdays.
We also got to celebrate Ben and Joanne's
50th Wedding Anniversary. I was so proud of
them to celebrate such a significant
milestone. They have been there for all my
children's dance performances and sports
events. It has been wonderful to have them
as family here to share these special
moments with. i have such wonderful memories
of Joanne. I always respected Joanne for her
intelligence. You could always tell she was
a great professor in Math. Her commitment to
her health and routine exercise and eating
healthy were so admirable. She was a devoted
wife to Ben. She has been a great role model
for me and my children. We will dearly miss
Joanne. Much love to Ben. Ben we are always
here for you and will keep you in our
thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. We
love you! Beth, Jim, Lindsay and Jimmy
Entry #: 28
Entry Date: 2013-07-24 04:38:04
Name: Bill Caldwell
Visitor Comments: Joanne was a delight to
know. An exceptional woman of many talents
and she will be greatly missed.
Entry #: 27
Entry Date: 2013-07-23 23:24:06
Name: Carole Meadows
Walker
Visitor Comments: I never knew Joanne, but
having read about her, I know she will be
greatly missed by so very many people. My
heart goes out to Ben and the rest of the
family.
Entry #: 26
Entry Date: 2013-07-23 17:10:16
Name: John W. DeLodder
Visitor Comments: Joanne's father and my
mother were sister and brother. Joanne and
Jimmy spent many a summer at Pine Lake, WI
with my parents and siblings. For three
weeks the demure lake was our playground.
Joanne was probably 15 or 16 years old. Her
passing brought back many memories that have
been packed away in a recess in my brain.
Interesting the life's memory files we
retain and then are brought to the surface
when death motivates them. Maybe that is
what life can be defined as. A cluster of
independent experiences that become stored
as a cluster of neurons. Forgotten until an
end of life brings them back. Joanne led the
way and now we wait our turn.
Entry #: 25
Entry Date: 2013-07-23 00:02:40
Name: Reid & Janet
Hartsfield
Visitor Comments: Ben,
We did not know Joanne, but can tell she was
loved by you and those around you. We wish
we had known her better. She seems like a
remarkable lady. Our prayers are with you.
Entry #: 24
Entry Date: 2013-07-22 23:04:09
Name: Brenda Bennett
Watson
Visitor Comments: Just want to express
deepest regrets although I did not know
Joanne, I wish Jim & I had the
opportunity to visit with Ben & Joanne
when we also lived in Austin, Texas from
1999 to 2003. From the comments I know
Joanne will be greatly missed, she was a
lovely lady.
Entry #: 23
Entry Date: 2013-07-22 22:20:55
Name: Melody Hatfield
Visitor Comments: Joanne and I met through
the Water Aerobics class many years ago. We
were of the same political persuasion -
enjoyed and discussed two topics: Politics
and Birding.
Whereas I voted, Joanne campaigned all
across America and shared her travel
experiences; whereas I was trying to add to
my Birder's Life List, Joanne helped me gain
insight through her birding expertise, and
was always inspiring. She was also quick to
laugh, had a good sense of humor, helpful,
sweet and smiling.
Entry #: 22
Entry Date: 2013-07-22 18:16:32
Name: Karen White
Visitor Comments: Joanne was lovely, dear,
and always full of good cheer. I'll always
remember her for her kindness and for the
music of her sweet laugh. She will be dearly
missed.
Karen
Entry #: 21
Entry Date: 2013-07-18 16:37:25
Name: William Trimble
Higgins
Visitor Comments: I had the pleasure of
visiting Joanne and Ben a couple of times
with my Mother, Nell Trimble, at their home
in Austin. Joanne was a lovely woman who I
wish I had gotten to know better. My
thoughts and prayers go out to her husband.
Lots of love,
William
Entry #: 20
Entry Date: 2013-07-16 00:05:05
Name: Carol Guillebeaux
Visitor Comments: Joanne and I were
classmates at Valparaiso University. Both of
us majored in Math and were members of the
same sorority, which coincidentally included
the majority of Math majors in our class.
Later, she and Ben visited my husband and me
in Southern California and were so good at
keeping in touch over the years. When my
husband died, they expressed such
thoughtfulness.
They've been devoted to each other and
shared the most interesting travel and hobby
experience.
The friendship of Joanne and Ben has been a
treasure.
Entry #: 19
Entry Date: 2013-07-15 20:46:03
Name: Jema Marion
Visitor Comments:
Joanne was my favorite mathematics professor
at Glassboro State College. Joanne and
Ben (my favorite computer professor) were
quite the dynamic duo. It speaks
volume when you still keep in touch with
students you had back in the late 70's.
Every year, I look forward to receiving your
holiday card and learning about your
adventures.
She has truly inspired and touched many of
our lives and will be missed dearly.
Entry #: 18
Entry Date: 2013-07-15 18:30:47 -- Edited
On: 2013-07-15 20:39:00
Name: Rosemary Detrich
Visitor Comments: When I moved to Texas 20
years ago, I met Joanne. Over the years we
developed a close friendship. We alerted
each other to new good mystery writers. We
met for lunch regularly (sometimes with our
husbands). I valued her clear thinking on
all kinds of issues. Joanne was a true
friend and already I miss her dearly.
Entry #: 17
Entry Date: 2013-07-15 15:39:58
Name: Bob Paxton and Sarah
Plimpton
Visitor Comments: We are deeply saddened but
happy that we knew Joanne and had many good
times birding with Ben and Joanne on
Gardiner's Island and elsewhere on Long
Island.
Entry #: 16
Entry Date: 2013-07-12 18:38:52
Name: Pearl Brundige
Visitor Comments:
I am so in awe of JoAnne's exemplary life.
It is with pleasure that I remember Ben and
JoAnne's visit with Ken and me at Loon Lake
Wa.
Thank you for the memories you have shared
of your life with this kind, gentle and
brilliant lady.
Entry #: 15
Entry Date: 2013-07-12 18:19:15
Name: Dayton Cooper
Visitor Comments: Joanne was one of my
mathematics professors, a mentor, a
colleague, and foremost a friend. When
Joanne and Ben moved out of the Glassboro
State College area in 1984, the Mathematics
Department wasn't the same. Every year, I
loved to read their Holiday Letter to learn
of their travels and exploits. The world is
much sadder without Joanne in it. I will
miss her.
Entry #: 14
Entry Date: 2013-07-10 19:56:39
Name: Sue & Bob
Dunlavey
Visitor Comments: Ben, we are both shocked
and sadden to hear of Joanne's death. We
have such fond memories of the Glassboro
days (camping with the goats), visits with
you, Joanne and your puppy (a Malamute -
can't recall the name!). Keeping in touch
over the years and miles has been wonderful
too. Reading her obituary, I was reminded of
a conversation I had with Joanne a long time
ago about her love of puzzle solving. I had
no idea it was a field of study until she
explained the mathematics. Our lives are all
richer for knowing and loving Joanne and her
memory lives on in our hearts. Peace, Sue
& Bob Dunlavey
Entry #: 13
Entry Date: 2013-07-10 18:49:53
Name: Karina, John, Max,
and Sam
Visitor Comments: I'll never forget the time
Uncle Ben and Aunt Joanne landed their plane
out in the fields of our farm, much to my
delight. Or how they gave me my very first
vegetarian cookbook for Christmas at age 11,
even though everyone else thought it was
just a phase. As children my sister and I
thought they lived the most exciting and
sophisticated life. We were charmed.
Uncle Ben and Aunt Joanne have been
inspiring me for years. I've thought of them
often as I taught, traveled the world, and
worked at an Internet company.
Aunt Joanne was always so sweet and gentle,
brilliant and fun. She will live on in all
of our hearts.
Entry #: 12
Entry Date: 2013-07-10 05:28:42
Name: Rosanne Weiss
Visitor Comments: Ben
I am so sorry to hear about Joanne's
passing. You both were a few of my favorite
profs at GSC and I enjoyed keeping up with
all your endeavors since that time.
Entry #: 11
Entry Date: 2013-07-09 20:22:47
Name: Natalie, David,
Freddy and Wynn
Visitor Comments: Uncle Ben and Aunt Joanne
have always been a huge inspiration in my
life. You guys encouraged me to travel, see
the world. Study. Work hard. Have fun.
Laugh. These last few years have been extra
special with you both. We love visiting you
in Austin. Joanne always showered such
warmth and will always make me smile when I
remember all the great times. This has been
a rough year, but our families hold the love
and strength to prepare us all for one day
another unknown adventure. Much love to you
all.
Entry #: 10
Entry Date: 2013-07-09 03:12:24
Name: Kerry Ozmelek
Visitor Comments: A poem that I found that
relates to Joanne on many levels:
"I'll lend you, for a little while, a bird
of mine," He said.
"For you to love while he lives, and mourn
when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or maybe
twenty-three,
But will you, till I call him back, take
care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and
shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace
for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, as all from
Earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I
want this bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my
search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's
lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love - not
think this labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him
back again.
I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord,
thy will be done.'
For all the joy this bird shall bring, the
risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shower him with tenderness and love
while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever
grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him much
sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and
try to understand."
If, by your love, you've managed, my wishes
to achieve,
In memory of him you've loved; be thankful;
do not grieve.
Cherish every moment of your feathered
charge.
He filled your home with songs of joy the
time he was alive.
Let not his passing take from you those
memories to enjoy.
"I will lend to you, a Bird", God said, and
teach you all you have to do.
And when I call him back to heaven, you will
know he loved you too.
~Author unknown
Entry #: 9
Entry Date: 2013-07-08 17:59:32
Name: Raif Ozmelek
Visitor Comments: We will miss Joanne
greatly but will always have the great, past
memories.
Christmases, Disney World, Cat Island, Abaco
Island, Mt. Washington, Wheeler Peak,
Pittsburgh museums, help with math in high
school, playing trivial pursuit, Sweat
Mountain, bird identification, Austin
restaurants, Timberlake and the list goes on
and on ....
We will miss her.
Love ... Raif
Entry #: 8
Entry Date: 2013-07-08 15:43:48
Name: Andrea, Kyle, Seth
and Andrew
Visitor Comments: When I heard about
Joanne's death, I remembered staying in
poughkepsie with you and Joanne and the many
card games she and I played that summer at
Lake Dunmore when my parents, Michelle and I
vacationed and ya'll visited us. I will
never forget her! Love to you!
Entry #: 7
Entry Date: 2013-07-08 01:29:16 -- Edited
On: 2013-07-08 02:22:00
Name: Nell Trimble
Visitor Comments: It just breaks my heart
that Joanne had to suffer so intensely with
pancreatic cancer. At least now she is not
in pain. She put up such a good fight and
was so glad to join the trial for a new drug
trial, M402 for her cancer that her
"suffering might not have been in vain."
I want to commend her for a happy marriage
with Ben of over 50 years. In this day and
age perhaps doing that is the greatest
achievement we can make.
What a legacy she has left to inspire us!
Her razor-sharp mind that devoured both
numbers and words.
Thank you for all you have given us, Joanne!
In the life beyond may you continue to work
crossword puzzles, sight more birds, and
have more fun than ever before.
Entry #: 6
Entry Date: 2013-07-08 01:24:29
Name: Mike, Aylin, Cameron
and Cooper Lewallen
Visitor Comments: Big Benny, you and and
Joanne were the second set of parents for
Raif and me growing up and boy, how we
enjoyed those holiday and vacation visits at
Timberlake, the Bahamas, New Jersey, Idaho,
and on....
Joanne lived exactly the way she wanted -
books, puzzles, traveling, her pets, and
healthy living. And you...you two were meant
for each other, soul mates. Joanne will
never be forgotten through our memories and
fond feelings for her through the rest of
time.
Entry #: 5
Entry Date: 2013-07-06 17:37:27
Name: Penny
Visitor Comments: I have so many fond
memories of being with Joanne and Ben.
Starting over 35 years ago, up until they
last visited Al in the Autumn of 2012 when
Joanne shared the most beautiful long stem
red roses with us. Albert fondly remembered
being in charge of the music at their
wedding, and I remember how wonderful it was
to have them both at our daughter's,
Natalie's & Karina's weddings. Joanne
was always a huge influence with the girls
as they'd try to put puzzles together with
the picture upside down like Aunt Joanne
could do and of course the love of dogs,
word games,great intellectual conversations
and educational endeavors. Joanne even had
me laughing during our last conversation.
Remembering her sense of humor brings an
automatic smile to my face. You will never
be forgotten dear Joanne.
Entry #: 4
Entry Date: 2013-07-04 22:32:19
Name: Jessie
Visitor Comments: This is note I sent to
Joanne a few days before she died: Dear
Joanne,
It's so hard to find the words to tell you
how I feel. You are handling this with grace
and dignity as you have with many things. I
remember many good times together. Trip to
Delancy St., many holidays, playing
Pictionary, Easter Egg hunt in NJ, visit to
Mt. Washington and Woodstock, much fun in
Turkey, tubing in Rhinebeck, big party in
Austin and much more. Your kindness and wit
always shine through your quiet nature. You
are always supportive of others yet
undemanding for yourself. I wish you weren't
leaving us, but know that who you are will
remain fondly with all of us and we will
often speak of you and remember all the good
times.... Jessie and Savas
Entry #: 3
Entry Date: 2013-07-04 17:28:03
Name: Laura L Burnham
Visitor Comments: Although we have not been
together in quite a few years I will never
forget the times we did spend together at
our house and TIMBERLAKE. Playing bridge,
talking, and looking at pictures. Our
families always had a special bond which
time and distance never severed. God bless
you Ben Andres and special love to Joanne.
Entry #: 2
Entry Date: 2013-07-04 01:30:48
Name: Rhoda and Doug
Joyner
Visitor Comments: It was a special time when
Ben came back to Decatur Ga to celebrate his
55th Decatur High School graduation and
Joanne came with him. We gathered in various
places with dear classmates and friends. One
of my favorite memories now is our lunch
with Clarke Rodgers, Carole Ann,and Ben and
Joanne, Doug, and Gene joined us. It was
quiet, we talked and talked until we felt
the dogs would feel they were abandoned. I
am thankful for this special time with this
brilliant woman, Joanne.
Entry #: 1
Entry Date: 2013-07-03 23:31:18 -- Edited
On: 2013-07-06 07:32:00
Name: Benjamin Trimble
Visitor Comments: Thanks to all Joanne's
friends for their support during her short
illnesss.