Joan Rose Laurel van Barneveld Kaplanis.
Born:
-December 27, 1934.
-Born in Whittier, CA.
-She was born a "toe-head" white-blond & blue-eyed.
-Her father created & named a rose after her (& one for each of her siblings too.)
Her Parents:
-John van Barneveld. / life-long career as Rosarian.
-Note: See special tribute in garden at Rose Hills to honor him.
-Dorothy Fulton van Barneveld.
-They travelled the world to attend international rose shows & conventions.
-They retired to Sedona, Arizona in 1973.
Her Siblings:
-twin brother = John van Barneveld.
-older brother = Howard van Barneveld.
-older sister = Mary Alice van Doorn.
Growing up:
-grew up in rural area of La Puente / Hacienda Heights / Fullerton.
-her family lived on a ranch in rural & agricultural area.
-she told stories about life on a farm/ranch.
-she had a pet baby lamb.
-the family had a weekend / summer cabin the local mountains / above Altadena / in Millard Canyon.
-both Joan & her brother performed so well in elementary school - that they both skipped the 4th grade.
-she remained very close with her twin brother throughout life.
College:
-1st year college = Stevens College in Missouri.
-She took the train across the US. by herself at 16 years old.
-She hated the cold winter - and returned to California after 1 year.
-USC. / transferred & stayed & graduated.
-pledged Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.
-met Peter on a set-up date while at USC.
-graduated USC in 1956 / with degree in Education.
After Graduating from USC:
-She flew to Europe.
-Bought a VW bug in Germany, and drove it all throughout Europe for 3 months.
-Her adventure lasted for 86 days / and they visited 17 countries.
-Note: See original copy of her trip itinerary (added in photos)
-Got job offer to teach in France ...
-Returned home to continue relationship with Peter / and begin teaching elementary school.
Married: June 20, 1959.
-baptized to become Greek Orthodox.
-married Peter in St. Sophia Cathedral in LA.
-married for 60 years / almost 61.
-Peter passed away earlier same year: on May 2, 2020.
In the beginning:
-Elementary School Teacher / taught 1st grade in Downey / for 7 years.
-Joan worked / while Peter was in Law School, and then starting his law career.
-Their first home (& last home) in Pasadena.
Joan & Peter's Family:
-Kristen McGregor / married Rick McGregor / grandkids: Victoria & Anastasia.
-Melina Symons / married Ted Symons / grandkids: Riley & Alexis.
-Cami Kaplanis.
-Lived in San Marino family house for 37 years. (1975 -2012.)
Tireless supporter - volunteer - leader - committee member - chairperson -
for numerous charitable & philanthropic groups.
-Bluebirds / Camp Fire Girls / Girl Scouts.
-Travelling music program in the elementary schools.
-"Red Apple Award" for outstanding parent volunteer in elementary school.
-Arts Docent Council.
-San Marino High School Grad. Night Lighting Committee.
-Pasadena Showcase House of Design.
-National Charity League.
-San Marino League.
-St. Anthony's Philoptochos Society / and Greek Festival committee.
-Huntington Library & Gardens - docent tour guide in the Japanese Gardens.
-Trojan Guild, Trojan Travelers, USC Town & Gown.
Interests & passions:
-reading.
-history.
-art history & museums.
-genealogy.
-antique shopping / collecting.
-decorating.
-researching & planning trips.
-taking photos & creating photo albums / they were like complete travel journals!
-arts & crafts.
-sewing / needlepoint / quilting.
-being involved with charitable groups / and helping others.
-hosted handmade Christmas arts & crafts, & ornaments boutique for friends.
-loved to decorate the house for Christmas / and enjoyed writing family Christmas letters.
-loved to host socials & parties / luncheons & dinners for family and friends.
-loved spending time at the family condo in Newport Beach.
Together, Joan & Peter:
-loved the USC Homecoming weekends.
-travelled the world.
-loved socializing at the San Gabriel Country Club, the Valley Hunt Club, and the Women’s Club in Pasadena.
-supported the Visual and Performing Arts, and culturally enriching programs.
-were ticket holders & had memberships to several museums and theaters, such as: LACMA, the Norton Simon, The Huntington, Pasadena Playhouse, Amundsen Theater, San Gabriel Theater, and Pasadena Symphany Pops.
-loved their lifelong friends & family.
-were married & inseparable for 61 years.
Special Event: "Vintage Fashion Show."
(March 9, 2011)
Joan hosted a very special "Vintage Fashion Show" with all of her mother's fancy old dresses. The clothing had been saved & stored for 80-90-100+ years. She recruited her friends & family to model each different dress - including all the accessories, jewelry, hats, purses, and details. Some of the items were 100+ years old. She planned the event as a walk-through fashion history. She narrated the fashion show including all the details & history about each of the vintage dresses.
Note: Following is an online photo album book that Cami created of that special day.
Interesting Note: "First Century Families."
(November 5, 2009)
"Attending the First Century Families 71st luncheon on Nov. 5 at the California Club are, from left, John van Barneveld of La Habra Heights, Edward P. Roski Jr., chairman of the USC Board of Trustees, and Joan Kaplanis of San Marino.
Roski spoke on “USC and L.A.: Past, Present and Future,” along with Shane McCoy, executive director of advancement for USC libraries.
First Century Families is a group of descendants of the pioneers who came to Southern California before or during the first hundred years after the founding of the city of Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 1781.
Van Barneveld and Kaplanis are descended from great aunt Emeline Childs, married to Ozro Childs, an original donor of land for the USC campus."
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