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Joanna Jeffreys Klick ’59

Joanna began playing piano at the age of four and continued through the last week of her life, when she died of heart problems at age 88. Born in Clarkston, Washington, she grew up entertaining community members with recitations of poetry and literature, as well as performances on the piano and violin. Her love of literature and film guided her through the Northern Idaho College of Education, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, and the University of Iowa, where she received a master’s degree in theatre. Post master’s studies included a Russian language course at Reed and a John Hay Fellowship in humanities at the UC Berkeley. During her teaching career, Joanna taught high school English, drama, humanities, film appreciation, and Asiatic history. Her career began in Montrose, Colorado, and included 24 years at Portland’s David Douglas High School. Her final nine years in education were as librarian at Reynolds High School.

Joanna met and married fellow David Douglas teacher Lamont Klick in 1963, and they had two children, Larisa and Paul. After retiring she traveled and wrote poetry and fiery political letters to local newspaper editors. Her love of history and world religion led to volunteer leadership positions at First Unitarian Church and with the David Douglas Historical Society. She is survived by her children and stepchildren.

Appeared in Reed magazine: June 2018

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