Joyce Vandeveer Born June 25, 1927, in Kansas City, MO,
Joyce Vandeveer passed away peacefully on August 23, 2009,
in Austin, Texas, after living a full and eventful life.
A photographer by trade and passion, her work captured
the jazz scene and cultural and political events in
San Francisco and New York City during the 1950s-1960s.
During the 1950s, Joyce also tended bar at establishments
in the San Francisco North Beach District, including
at Ann's 440, the famed cabaret owned by singer Ann Dee
that boosted the careers of Johnny Mathis, Lenny Bruce
and other entertainers. Joyce also worked at
Mona's Candle Light, the nightclub featured in the
Academic Film Archive of North America's film of
the same name, which was recently awarded a
preservation grant from New York Women in Film
and Television. In a harbinger of the Stonewall Riots
of the decade to follow, Joyce's resistance to,
and ultimate victory over, a politically-motivated
police raid of Tommy's Place is given treatment
in Nan Alamilla Boyd's Wide-Open Town . According
to newspaper archives, a jury acquitted Joyce of all
wrongdoing and her accuser was ultimately indicted
for perjury. Joyce will be remembered by many with
a sigh, a chuckle and loving appreciation for her
artistic talent, unique perspective and incomparable
eccentricities. She is survived by her 17-year-old cat,
Cleo, and her beloved and well-dressed Chihuahua, Panda,
who faithfully remained by Joyce's side throughout
her final days. Pursuant to her wishes and with the
assistance of Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home, Joyce
Vandeveer's remains are donated to LifeLegacy
Foundation for medical research. To celebrate
Joyce's life, she would highly recommend a
Cabernet Sauvignon, or if one is really grieving,
a Scotch and Water on the rocks.