MINNEAPOLIS - Joan Mondale, wife of former Vice President Walter Mondale, died Monday at age 83.
Her death came a day after the Mondales’ church announced she had entered hospice care.
“With the death of Joan Mondale, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party lost a friend and the arts community a passionate advocate,” DFL Chairman Ken Martin said. “Joan will be remembered for her service and dedication to our state and country. From Minnesota to Washington D.C. to Japan and back, Joan was a true partner with former Vice President Walter Mondale.”
Joan Mondale was at her husband’s side whether he was Minnesota attorney general, U.S. senator, vice president or U.S. ambassador to Japan. But her life went beyond husband’s public life; she was well known for her work to improve the arts community.
“Joan left a great legacy in the arts community, from creating her beautiful pottery to serving on the boards of the Minnesota Orchestra, Walker Art Center, Macalester College and the National Portrait Gallery,” Martin said.
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The family surrounded her when she died.
Walter Mondale issued a statement saying the family was grateful for love Minnesotans showed.
Survivors include her husband and sons Ted and William. Their daughter, Eleanor, died of brain cancer in 2011.
Services are expected at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis.
