The loss of a friend

[Paula Breen]

Hello Bee Friends,

I'm writing with sad news to share. After a long struggle with cancer, our dear Joan Houston passed this morning in her home, peacefully and with her family at her side. I don't have any details yet if there will be a celebration of life of some kind, but will share that on this thread if I hear of it. 

Joan was made a lifetime ACBA member in recognition to her contributions to the organization and to our beekeeping community. She was always ready to help beekeepers in need and to share her wealth of knowledge with others. She was a regular contributor to the bee chat, where her sharp intelligence shone and was matched only by her excellent sense of humor. 

Joan added so much to our Hive Mind. She will be deeply missed. 

With care,

Paula

[Ellen McDonald]

So sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I loved her sharp wit! I went to a hive dive at her apiary and she was so generous with her knowledge and wine barrels. My thoughts are with her daughter.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 3, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Paula Breen <paulae...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Robert L Mathews]

Thank you for sharing this sad news, Paula.

Joan was clever, funny, loyal, and absolutely worth knowing. She will be missed a great deal.

On Jun 3, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Paula Breen <paulae...@gmail.com> wrote:

-- 

Robert L Mathews

[Robin Chatham]

She fought a long hard fight and was always looking at the bright side of things. She was hilarious! She was an experienced and sharing soul. 

When I think of her I smile big.

And she gave me her LONG pole bucket that reaches maybe 25' or more so whenever I use it I get an extra thrill of thinking about her. 

RIP

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[real...@aol.com]

Thank you for sharing ! 

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS