VANCE, Joanne Meyer - Born in Oakland, January 10, 1932, only beloved child of Harold and Frances Meyer, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2005. Longtime resident of Lafayette and San Ramon, CA, she helped spearhead the popularity of fitness clubs among women by co-owning and operating Lafayette La Femme gym for women only in the 1970s and 1980s.

A graduate of Oakland High School, Joanne received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California at Berkeley in 1954. She was an active alumnus of Oakland High School Class of 1950, and of the Cal Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. For many years she was a member of the performing philanthropy group "The Goodwill Bags". Prior to settling and raising a family in Lafayette, CA, Joanne taught elementary school in San Leandro Unified School District.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Lee Vance, Jr.; her three children: Charles M. Vance of Napa, CA, Lee Vance Walter of Alexandria, VA, and Robert L. Vance III of Lafayette, CA; and eight beautiful grandchildren. A loyal, lifelong friend of many, she will be remembered always by those whose lives she touched. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 30215, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 or at arf.net.