Joan Una Magee passed away on August 6, 2018 at the age of 90 years. Joan was one of the distinguished group that founded the AASSC and maintained her passion for the organization throughout her academic career. She was awarded Life Time Membership by the AASSC in 2005. Joan earned Master of Library Science Degree and worked as Children’s Librarian at Willistead Public Library and later as Head of the Reference Department at the University of Windsor Library. She also taught Scandinavian Studies at the University of Windsor and engaged and supported many students and faculty colleagues into the significance of Scandinavian and Netherlandic Studies in their careers.
Joan has written several books relating to emigration to Canada. (Including those by Dundurn Press: Industry in the Wilderness, A Scandinavian Heritage, The Loyalist Mosaic, The Belgians in Ontario.) In 1992 she was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation and in 1993 she was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by the Netherlands.
Beloved by the AASSC, we are saddened by her loss, but maintain our work on the shoulders of her enthusiasm and dedication.
(written by Susan Gold Smith)
