Joan Alt York Obituary - Remembering A Life Of Love

A gentle soul, Joan Barbara Alt York, passed away some time ago, leaving behind a story of steadfast love and family devotion. Her passing marked the end of a life lived with quiet grace, a life that touched many, especially through her connection to a well-known figure. People often remember her as the devoted partner to a beloved actor, a role she carried with quiet strength through good times and challenging ones. It's a tale, too, of a woman who built a family and faced life's turns with a determined spirit.

She was, in fact, the wife of Dick York, the actor many knew from a popular television program. Their connection, you know, was something truly special, a bond that lasted for decades, weathering the ups and downs that life often brings. This account looks back at her existence, giving a glimpse into the person she was, beyond just her public association.

Her story is one that, in some respects, offers a quiet look at the private side of a public life, revealing the enduring human connections that truly matter. We explore the details of her journey, from her early days to her final moments, just a little bit, honoring the quiet strength she showed.

Table of Contents

A Life's Beginning - The Early Years of Joan Alt York

Joan Barbara Alt entered the world on September 26, 1931. Her arrival took place in Cook, Illinois, within the United States. At the time she was born, her father, John Paul Alt, was a young man of twenty-nine years. Her mother, Cleonia Coultas, was a bit younger, at twenty-six. She was, in fact, the youngest of six children, which suggests a lively and full household during her growing-up years. Her early life, you know, unfolded in Chicago, also in Cook, Illinois, where she made her home for a period.

Personal Details and Bio Data - Joan Alt York

Full NameJoan Barbara Alt York
Also Known AsJoey
Date of BirthSeptember 26, 1931
Place of BirthCook, Illinois, United States
ParentsJohn Paul Alt (Father), Cleonia Coultas (Mother)
SpouseRichard Allen York (Dick York)
Marriage DateNovember 7, 1951
ChildrenKim, Mandy, Stacy, Christopher, Matthew (5 children)
Date of PassingJanuary 20, 2012
Place of PassingCalifornia, United States
Age at Passing80 years old

A Partnership Forged - The Love Story of Joan Alt York and Dick York

Joan's life took a significant turn when she joined in marriage with Richard Allen York. This special occasion happened on November 7, 1951. The setting for their union was Clarkstown, located in Rockland, New York, within the United States. Their connection was a long one, lasting for forty years before Dick York's own passing. It was, you know, a partnership that truly stood the test of time, enduring through various phases of life. They were, in a way, two people who found a deep bond and kept it strong for many decades.

The couple's relationship was, apparently, quite remarkable, a testament to enduring affection. Dick York, who was widely recognized for his acting work, often spoke of Joan with immense warmth. He described her as "the seesaw girl" in his memoir, a truly affectionate term that showed the depth of his feelings. She was, you know, the person who stood by him through difficult times, offering support and a steady presence. This kind of dedication, frankly, speaks volumes about the sort of person Joan was.

How Did Joan Alt York Meet Dick York?

Many people might wonder how this enduring couple first crossed paths. It turns out that Joan Alt and Dick York met during their professional lives, which is pretty common for people in their field. They both worked on a radio series during the 1940s, a program called "The Jack Armstrong Show." It was, you know, in that setting, amidst the sounds and stories of radio, that their paths converged. So, it seems their connection began in the world of broadcasting, a shared experience that likely formed a strong initial bond.

Family Bonds - The Children of Joan Alt York

Joan and Richard were the parents to a family that grew over the years. Together, they welcomed five children into their lives. Their children included Kim, Mandy, Stacy, Christopher, and Matthew. This means, you know, their home was likely filled with the energy and activity that comes with raising a larger family. They were, in some respects, quite dedicated to their children, creating a family unit that brought them much joy and, naturally, a good deal of busy moments.

The presence of five children truly shaped their household. Joan, as a mother, played a central role in their upbringing. The family structure, you know, provided a constant source of purpose and connection for her. It's clear that these family bonds were a very important part of Joan Alt York's life, providing a foundation for her daily existence.

Facing Hardships - The Challenges in Joan Alt York's Life

Life, for Joan and Dick, presented its share of significant difficulties. Dick York faced serious health problems, particularly complications stemming from emphysema. He passed away on February 20, 1992, at the age of sixty-three, which was, you know, a very sad event for the family. This meant Joan had to cope with the deep sorrow of losing her partner of forty years. His health struggles and eventual passing were, in a way, a defining period for their family.

During these challenging times, Joan's steadfastness was truly apparent. Dick York's memoir, which was published after his death, gives a glimpse into his struggles. He talked about trying to overcome an addiction and coming to terms with the loss of his acting career. The book, in fact, serves as a heartfelt message to Joan, whom he called "the seesaw girl." This suggests, you know, that she was his anchor, someone who remained by his side through the very hardest parts of his life. She stayed with him, really, through all those tough moments.

The family's living situation also changed during this period. From 1985 until Dick's passing in 1992, the Yorks made their home in Rockford. They lived at the residence of Joan's parents, John and Cleona Alt. After Dick's death, Joan, or Joey as she was known, continued to live in that Belding Road home until 2008. This suggests, you know, a period of quiet reflection and adjusting to life without her husband, all while staying close to her roots.

What Was The Seesaw Girl and Me About - Joan Alt York's Legacy?

The book, "The Seesaw Girl and Me," is a memoir written by Dick York himself. It came out in 2004, after his passing. The writing talks about his personal struggles, including his efforts to break free from an addiction and how he dealt with the end of his acting work. What's really special about the book, though, is that a big part of it is, you know, a loving message to his wife, Joan, who was born Joan Alt. She is, in fact, the "seesaw girl" mentioned in the title. Joan also wrote a foreword for the book, which adds her voice to the story. This book, really, stands as a lasting piece of their shared history and a tribute to Joan's unwavering support for her husband.

A Quiet Farewell - The Passing of Joan Alt York

Joan Alt York passed away on January 20, 2012. She was eighty years old at the time of her passing. Her final moments occurred in California. It's worth noting that Joan lived for two decades after her husband, Dick York, had passed away. This means, you know, she had a significant period of life on her own after their many years together. While the exact reason for her passing was not made public, it is generally thought that she died from causes that come with getting older, or simply from natural progression.

The news of her passing, you know, brought a sense of quiet sadness to those who knew her story. Many people who followed the lives of public figures, or who simply appreciated the enduring nature of her marriage, felt a connection to her. There was, in fact, a sentiment expressed that her passing meant a joyful reunion with Dick, nearly two decades after his own death. This idea, really, offers a comforting thought for those who admired their long-lasting bond.

Where Did Joan Alt York Spend Her Later Years?

After her husband, Dick York, passed away in 1992, Joan, who was often called Joey, remained in the home on Belding Road in Rockford. This was, you know, the house where she and Dick had lived with her parents from 1985. She stayed there for quite some time, until the year 2008. At that point, she decided to move back to California. The reason for this move was, apparently, to be nearer to her family members. So, her later years were spent closer to loved ones, which is, in some respects, a comforting thought.

What Was the Cause of Death for Joan Alt York?

When Joan Alt York passed away, the exact reason for her death was not shared with the public. It was, you know, a private matter for her family. However, it is generally thought that she passed away from natural causes. This often means, basically, that her passing was a result of old age. She lived to be eighty years old, so this is, in fact, a common assumption for someone of that age.

This article has explored the life of Joan Barbara Alt York, covering her birth in Illinois, her marriage to actor Dick York, their five children, and the challenges they faced together, including Dick's health struggles and his memoir. It also touched upon Joan's later years and her passing in California at the age of eighty.

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