Joanne Dix, beloved by family and friends, passed away on Saturday, September 21 at the age of 81.
Born to Matt and Timmie Antonovich in New York City, she grew up in Chappaqua, NY, and Mountain Lakes, NJ. From an early age, her parents instilled in her enduring qualities of compassion, kindness, and tolerance, contributing to her eventual career in social work. She was passionate in her defense of the disadvantaged, not afraid to speak out where she witnessed injustice. Throughout her long career she helped innumerable people whose lives were enriched because of her. She gained great pleasure and insight from her interaction with her clients in Ocean Hill-Brownsville and Trenton, with a year working as a social worker in Uganda.
She earned a BA from Drew University, and a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. As a young adult she lived in New York City, eventually moving to Princeton in 1973, where she was married the following year.
Joanne loved being outdoors, but more than that, she loved talking to people. It was common to see her tending her small garden along Snowden Lane, where she was able to chat with neighbors and passers-by at every opportunity. Her eyes would light up at every passing baby or small dog.
A love of nature led her into the woods and mountains. Backpacking in America’s many mountain ranges; trekking in Nepal, New Zealand, northern England; birding throughout the U.S., as well as Iceland, Botswana, Peruvian Amazon, much of Central and South America.
As waning years gradually took their toll, she got pleasure from poring over her photo albums of family and her many wonderful trips. But her greatest pleasure came from time spent with her family, especially her wonderful grandson Shep.
She is survived by her husband Bill of 51 years; daughter Becky Graham and grandson Shepard Graham; sister Judy Smith and brother Tom Treiman. A small private family gathering will celebrate her life.