Obituary: Joan Norris

July 6, 1935 – July 13, 2024

Vail artist, 89, after a protracted illness, died peacefully in the arms of her husband just after sunset on Saturday evening July 13th in her Vail home. She was a much-loved painter of evocative expressionist still-lifes, figurative portraits and landscapes and a determined advocate for the dignity of women in the arts, religion and her community. She is survived by her daughter Karen, son Kevin and son Sean, five grandchildren, spouses and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her husband, Jim Lamont, and brothers Robert and Kent. Joan was an avid member of the Happy Hikers, and a skier. A highly regarded fine arts instructor at Colorado Mountain College, an enthusiastic supporter of the Vail Public Library and cultural events. She was a pioneering local media personality co-anchoring the first news series produced on Vail’s public access television channel and appeared in numerous articles in Vail’s print media. Joan aspired to further the careers of residents in the performing and visual arts in her beloved Vail. A memorial service for Joan will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Vail Interfaith Chapel. The service will be followed by a mourners parade led by a jazz band down West Meadow Drive to a reception at Joan’s home.