Woodstock, Vermont

A celebration of life and courage will be held later in March for Joan Rothstein, 60, who passed away on February 2, 2017, of natural causes.

Joan was born in Long Island, New York, the daughter of Gerald and Phyllis Rothstein. She was raised in Long Island along with her older brother William Andrew Rothstein who later resided in Park City, Utah. Joan was the last of her family to pass. Educated in New York, Joan worked as assistant to some of the most prestigious law firms in New York City. She, along with the members of her family were instrumental in the founding and growth of the Altschultz Foundation. During this time Joan also became a distinguished and achieved bookbinder and paper artist.

Later in life, Joan chose to come to Vermont to embrace a slower pace of life and enjoy the great outdoors. She participated in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, croquet, swimming, and walking in the wilderness. She continued to practice her bookbinding artistry along with teaching herself the art of mosaics. She also excelled in interior design and antique collecting. Her taste and exquisite choices of color were always impeccable in both her art and her dress. The last few years found Joan unable to actively practice her arts as she struggled with illness but never without a suggestion to better our choices.

We will always remember Joan for her quit wit, her courageous struggle to fit in the community, and her unusual, yet stylish hats. She came into our lives to teach us many of life's lessons and for those that remained opened to her she has left an imprint on our hearts.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting in Arrangements. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com