Dear ARLIS/NA Colleagues—and especially members of the Southern California Chapter:
I’ve recently learned of Joyce Ludmer’s passing. Here is a link to the L.A. Times obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/latimes/name/joyce-ludmer-obituary?id=36414265.
Joyce was a longtime member of ARLIS/NA and the Southern California Chapter and was the President of ARLIS/NA in 1979. She was the Head of the UCLA Art Library for twenty years. She “retired,” but then went to work at the Getty Research Institute as Senior Bibliographer. Joyce was a mentor to me and a friend; she encouraged me to volunteer as Chair of the 1985 ARLIS/NA conference held in Los Angeles and “held my hand” through the challenging months of planning. Joyce then hosted an unforgettable party at her home, featuring her fabulous Italian cuisine, for the conference committee and other volunteers after the conference. She also participated 2004 in the chapter party held at my house in Santa Monica when we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Southern California chapter—and also honored the chapter founder, Judith Hoffberg. We published a booklet memorializing the event and in the back of the booklet we reprinted an attendance list from the first meeting, April 5, 1974. Joyce’s name is on the list (I just looked). Attached is a picture of her from that 2004 party. I didn’t join until 1976, but I do miss those days and those comrades and Joyce’s friendship was a highlight. We accomplished an unbelievable amount without the Internet or cell phones!!
With deepest condolences to Joyce’s family,
Joan M. Benedetti
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