Joan Lorraine Solomon Altman, 92, of Amarillo passed away peacefully on November 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.
She was born October 13, 1931, in Houston, Texas and grew up in Waco, Texas. She graduated from Waco High School in 1949. She attended the University of Texas in Austin and was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. Joan married Israel “Buck” Altman in 1952. They moved to Amarillo in 1954. Before enjoying retirement, she owned a gift shop for 41 years.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Buck, mother Ethel Robinson Solomon, and father Nathan Solomon. She is survived by her four children, Vicki (Bill), David (Aletha), Don (Brian), and Paul (Celia) as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren.
Joan loved living in Amarillo and served as president of the Coronado Elementary School PTA, president of The Sisterhood of Temple B’nai Israel, and was a member of PEO. She enjoyed tap dancing and her little dogs. She loved people and never met a stranger. She was gentle, generous, and always found kind things to say about any and everyone. She truly had no enemies. She devoted her life to her family and taught them the importance of giving back and respecting others.
Graveside rites will be at 4:00 pm, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
One of my happy memories of Joan was when she helped my mother and me select gifts for friends who hosted parties when I was getting married in 1979. What a joy to read how loved she was by so many and how she made the world a nicer place.
Is there a perfect woman ? My choice other than the Holy Spirit is Joan Altman. She has it all, and as a second Mom to probably hundreds of us over the years, her patience and wisdom and energy were boundless and everything about her was surrounded in unconditional love. What a shining example of how to live and embrace life and truly love everyone. If you were in Joan’s presence you were home. Vicki and David, Don and Paul and families this is just the beginning not the end, a temporary separation only in the natural realm. Joan is more alive now than she ever was and cheering each of you on to love without intimidation. I am certain there are some long lines in heaven to welcome her home. Many prayers as you celebrate your Mother’s life and grieve your loss.
Joan and I danced next to each other for years in Jane Parge’s tap class. I miss everything about her, her sense of humor, her smile, her kindness, and her love of life. I’m sure that she has made God smile many times by now. Farewell Joan. Say hello to Jane. We love you very very much.
Friendship, fun and meaningful, caring conversations were always the way of every encounter with Joan, from meeting when Paul was at St. Andrew’s to shopping with her through the years. May God’s comforts and peace be yours.
There was no one like Joan Altman. She was the most loving, kindest, funniest, happiest, and entertaining person I ever knew. Having her as my Campfire Girl leader was pure joy. Saying prayers for Vicki and the family. Joan will be so missed.
Joan never knew a stranger and seemed to remember everyone she ever met. Her energy kept us all on our toes. Joan and Buck looked after me like I was one of their kids. Their love and guidance were a gift to me growing up.
Tria
Joan was a joyful, kind, & full-of-life lady that seemed to always wear a smile! To Don & all the Family, I send you my sincere condolences. Your MOM was a great lady.
One of the blessings of making new friends in high school (Vicki) is the added blessing of having an opportunity to meet a mom who had such an infectious personality and zest for life. Joan Altman made all of us who were friends of Vicki’s feel great when we were around her. Much love to Vicki and all.
A true blessing to have known Joan. We lived across the street in my Coronado years. My parents, brother, sister and I were all friends of the family and my kids loved visiting Joan in her store. I had no idea until today that we shared the same middle name. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Joan was one of a kind! I knew her as David’s mother but she was much more than that to me, she was my precious friend! The last time I saw her, quite a few of us were working on the 45th class reunion and in walked in Joan and David!! I was so happy to see them both! Sending much love and prayers for David and his family! 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
I knew her as Donny’s mother. She was always so gracious and charming. She will be missed. They don’t make them like that anymore.
Joan was on my Meals on Wheels route. Whenever I saw her she was dressed up with jewelry too… and always smiling and saying “thank you”. A real lady.
Joan Altman was one of the finest ladies I’ve ever known. I doubt I’ve ever met a more positive, happy, caring, hardworking person. Blessed to have known her since 1963.
Dear family I love you all so much! Joan was some one I went to visit every time I visited Amarillo thru the years. She was always so cheerful and energetic! Full of news. Such a delight. God be with you all thru this difficult time. Hugs to all!! Love Debbie XOXO
She was a shining star in P.E.O. I loved seeing her smiling face at meetings. I also loved shopping at her gift shop at The Ambassador Hotel. She will be missed. Hugs to her family who shared her with us.
Sending prayers to the Altman family. Loved visiting the Altman house when I was a little kid. Love from the Douthits