Joan Alice Serin died on Monday, January 15, 2018 in Albany, California. She was 66. She was a lifelong educator of children with learning differences.

Joan was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey to scientists Bernice and Bernard Serin. She attended the University of Chicago in 1968 before transferring to Cal to complete her BA in psychology and then her Master’s degree in Special Education from San Francisco State.

In her 36 years as a special educator at West Contra Costa (17 years) and Albany Unified school districts (19 years), she pursued excellence, fairness, and compassion, pioneering the inclusion model, which mainstreamed students with learning differences from self-contained to general education classes.

Joan was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. She approached this disabling disease with the same spirit and courage with which she lived.

Joan Serin leaves behind her husband, Nicholas Christ; her children, Sara and Joel Serin-Christ; a grandson, Santiago; a sister, Judith; and dear friends Cathy and Mimi. A memorial celebration will be held at the Parish Hall of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church at 1501 Washington St., Albany, CA 94706 on Saturday, January 20 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers or food, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.