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Margaret Joy Spalding ’48

Born in Princeton, Massachusetts, to Willard and Margaret Spalding, Joy attended Reed, but graduated from American University with a degree in anthropology. She obtained both a master’s and a PhD in social work at Bryn Mawr College, and taught at the University of Virginia Medical School, Portland State University, and Oregon Health & Science University.

She married Kenneth Rabin ’47, and the couple had three daughters, Margaret, Katherine, and Deborah Rabin Haupt ’85. As the wife of a foreign-service officer, Joy lived in Australia, the Philippines, Belgium, and West Africa. After divorcing Kenneth, she continued to travel extensively, visiting friends and acquaintances all over the world. She later married Prof. Harold Goodhue Vatter, who taught at PSU for years.

Joy worked as a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, teacher, and clinical gerontologist. She was interested in nursing home reform, and was a member of the Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and the Gray Panthers. She also reviewed manuscripts about mental health and aging for publication, and wrote book reviews in these fields. Her daughters survive her.

Appeared in Reed magazine: September 2016

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