Joan Iris Adelman Giummo, 78, died on June 7 at her home in Great Barrington after a long illness with the neurodegenerative disease progressive supranuclear palsy. She donated her body to Boston University Medical School through their anatomical gift program.
Joan was a videographer who worked for network television, for the New York City Board of Education making films for the guidance of new immigrants as well as independent work. Her video documentary “Shopping Bag Ladies” about homeless women in New York City was shown at the Museum of Modern Art. She was also a teacher of English as a Second Language, a dancer and a painter. She traveled extensively and recorded in her art her impressions of places visited.
Joan was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 10, 1943. She graduated from Midwood High School, received a B.A. from Brooklyn College and a M.A. from New York University. She was predeceased by her parents, Lillian Merdinger Adelman and Max Adelman; by her brother, Joel Adelman of California; and by her husbands, Joseph Giummo and Philip Jacks. She is survived by her son, Jesse, his wife, Christine, and three grandchildren, Alexander, Ryann and Kira, her sister, Naomi, brother-in-law, Meyer, nephew, Isaiah, niece, Mia and three grand nephews. Her grace, high spirits, and great generosity will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
A private celebration of her life will be held. Should friends desire, contributions can be made to CurePSE (https://www.psp.org/).
