Joan Helen Elman Sunrise, 1934 - Sunset, 2010 in San Francisco at age 75. Joan grew up in Bell Harbor Long Island, near the Atlantic Ocean, she loved to swim. Joan was sensitive and compassionate as a child, she transferred her deep kindness and giving spirit to an acting career she started in her early 20's. Working with teachers like Stella Adler she was a natural beauty and actress, playing lead roles and understudy roles. Joan later moved to LA where she met and married her soul mate Josef Katten Elman (son of the late Mischa Elman), a fellow actor and fundraiser. She raised two children Michele Sharma and Lynne Elman. Joan taught her girls to be uninhibited, creative, independent women. Joan studied at CCSF and was very interested and excelled in women's studies. She loved the simple things in life - her yard, the porch, a cup of coffee with her beloved friends at Peet's and walking. She loved to travel and found a wonderful, caring companion, Sol Silver, to travel with. Joan bragged about the love she had for her grandson David. She was a program coordinator for seniors and treated each person as an individual. She was an open minded, accepting, non-judgmental human being. She was lots of fun, dependable, honest, and humble. She loved theatre, music and acting. She was a tutor through the Coalition of Literacy; she loved reading; and she was a member of the Center for Learning in Retirement (CLIR). She supported the San Francisco School and volunteered at Peabody school. She had innovative ideas. Joan advocated the importance of giving free concerts and theatre to inner city youth, and deeply supported her daughter Lynne's film, photography, and writing. Joan continued acting in different venues. Joan Elman was a wonderful human being, she pursued humanness. Joan was the sister of the late Larry Hofmann. She is survived by her daughters, her son-in-law Rajan Sharma, her grandson David Sharma and a niece and 2 great nephews. She will be missed by her many friends and extended family. Services will be held on Monday, February 22nd, 12:00 noon at Congregation Beth Sholom 301 14th Ave at Clement in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's memory may be made to local groups that inspire creativity and joy.