Joan Michaels
February 03, 1932 - March 02, 2009
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Joan J. Michaels, age 77, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2009 at her home in Middleton after a brief struggle with cancer. Joan was born the daughter of John M. and Viola M. (Krueger) Scalone in Baraboo on February 3, 1932. She attended high school in Baraboo and graduated in Illinois, maintaining ties with friends from both high schools throughout her life. Joans breakthrough independent work in promoting awareness of child abuse and in founding and directing Citizens Committee on Child Abuse, Inc., in Binghamton was so significant that it was counted as equivalent to numerous academic courses when she subsequently earned her B. S. Degree in Community Services from the State University of New York in Binghamton. Joan then earned an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Goddard-Cambridge Graduate School in Massachusetts. Joans professional career included work as a psychotherapist and counselor for women, men, families, and children in various agencies in New York state and Wisconsin. She also did consulting work and served on the board of directors for several related organizations. In 1990 she founded an independent clinic, and since 1997 she has served as a therapist at Pathway Clinic in Baraboo and Sauk City. One who knows her well has called Joan "a skilled counselor and psychotherapist with a passion for helping people claim their own power." Joan was a deep thinker, passionate human rights activist, an avid reader, and a student and supporter of political, social and environmental issues. Her concern for the Palestinians had led to her acceptance to be part of a counseling program near the Gaza Strip, a dream that has now been cut short. Joans other interests include music, dance, art and nature. Joan is survived by her son, Michael Elliott, her brother, Jack Scalone, her niece, Dr. Marianne Soden, her nephew, Christopher Scalone, and many loving relatives and friends. A memorial celebration of Joans life will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International and Habitat for Humanity.
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Memories
K
Kenda
Other •
Dear Michael & Family,
As others have stated above, our family was so saddened to hear of Joan's passing. She helped our family so much, especially our daughter. Our family was somewhat broken, but Joan helped us fix it. We will forever be grateful that she was in our lives. I also believe that our daughter is alive today because of Joan. Somehow she was able to get our daughter to open up and let others in. No one was able to do that for her. We, too, never told her how thankful we were for her compassion and unconditional support. She always offered us taffy and we would give her a hard time if she didn't have any as a joke. We are going to take a bag of taffy, play some classical music and tell her thank you for all she's done for us at beautiful Devils Lake State Park. Our daughter is using her own money to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity in honor of Joan's memory.
With deepest Sympathy,
The Scott Family
L
Lori
Other •
To Michael and family,
I was just saddened to find Joan's obituary in the paper and I do not want to miss the opportunity twice to say what a wonderful, caring person Joan was. I accredit her for saving my son's life. She made herself available by cell/home phone which is a rare thing in today's world. At that time of crisis, it made all the difference. I only wish we had told her that in person. Her passion and enthusiasm was uplifting during a difficult time in our lives. I know I speak for the many patients she helped. I would have never dreamed she was 77 with her spirit and energy for life - what an inspiration to all of us! With our deepest sympathy - our thoughts are with you.
KB
Kris Burnstad
Other •
Dear Michael and Family,
I send you my deep condolences concerning your mother's passing. I had the pleasure of working with your mother at Pathway Clinic for a number of years. She was a very dedicated therapist and touched many people's lives in a wonderful way. I will never forget her smile and her zest for life and I'm thankful for getting the opportunity to work with her. She was passionate about her career and it was evident. She will be dearly missed by many, including myself. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time and I pray that you find comfort in the memories that you have of your mother.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Kris Burnstad
KM
Kristine Merrill
Other •
Dear Michael and Family,
I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences on your mother's passing. I worked with Joan for many years at the Pathway Clinic in Baraboo. I deeply respected and admired so many things about her, including her love for and knowledge of classical music, her classy way of dressing, her clinical expertise, and her insight and deep caring for all those she worked with and helped. I'm sure you know she was a skilled and devoted therapist. She will be deeply missed in our community. Her wry sense of humor always made me laugh and her energy for life was huge.
One other thing we shared in common was her beloved cat, Shadow. I raised Shadow from a tiny abandoned kitten, and Joan was excited about welcoming him into her life. We shared many cat stories, almost on a daily basis. I told Joan repeatedly, and will simply offer to you now, that if she ever needed to find another home for Shadow he was always and forever welcome back with me. That offer, most deeply, still stands.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you all at this time, and please know that I am simply one more person that Joan touched in her lovely way.
Most Sincerely,
Kristine Merrill