Joan Ellen Roberts

Joan led a varied and fascinating life. At a young age, she developed a passion for dance and spent many hours in lessons and performing. After graduating from high school, she attended Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshire where she majored in dance and performing arts. After graduation, she moved to New York City where she auditioned for a spot with the famed Rockettes. She was only denied a spot because of her height. She performed in Summer Stock productions for a while. A friend of hers had seen an ad in Variety where the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus was auditioning for dancers and convinced her to go. They did and were both hired. In addition to dancing, Joan performed skits with the clowns. EVentually she was asked to join the elephant acts as a rider and the girl the elephant would walk over. After her three years in the circus, Joan moved to Japan and performed in various musicals.

Upon moving back to The States, she settled in Las Vegas. There she became involved in Animal Rescue. She also worked in various restaurants and casinos. She began her studies to become a yoga instructor and began teaching yoga to all ages and groups including several groups of veterans who suffered from PTSD. When she moved to Texas, she continued teaching yoga. In continuing with her love for animals, she became the Volunteer Coordinator at the SPCABC and later became a volunteer and foster for Pet Tribe.

Joan in survived by her cousin Brian Lembo and wife Carrie of Millsboro, Delaware.

She is also survived by her fur babies whom she loved dearly-Micheletto, Lady Mae, Chloe, and Emma.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Jessica, Chelsea, Kris, Kari, and various others who saw her occasionally from Hospice Care Team. They would also like to thank Francis and Rebecca from Care Builders at Home. All showed compassion and caring for Joan.

A memorial will be held for Joan in Connecticut at a later date.