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Joan Metcalf

Joan Louise Metcalf, of Aspen, died on Nov. 10, 2005, at Castle Creek Terraces, of complications from type I diabetes. She was 76 years old. Joan was born March 23, 1929, in Winona, Minn., to Marjorie Fisher and Russell Henthorn. She was adopted by Frederick Ferdinand Fisher, Marge’s second husband.She traveled the country with her parents and siblings, while Fisher, a jazz musician, performed. She studied music at the University of California at Santa Barbara. In 1950, she married Donald Morris Higbie. The ceremony was performed on an Indian Chief motorcycle.In 1953, she moved to Aspen with her two children to rejoin her parents. In 1962, she married her employer, F. Mead Metcalf, of the Crystal Palace restaurant. She performed there for 20 years, and retired after a serious accident in Italy. They divorced in 1983. Joan traveled extensively all over the world. She was a member of the FOE and the BPOE.Joan is survived by her daughter and her husband, Kim Higbie and Paul V. Smith of Hakalau, Hawaii; her son and his wife, Donald Higbie Jr. and Dana Jones Higbie of Basalt; her granddaughter Sophia Higbie of Basalt; her sister Susan Fox of Glenwood Springs, and her brother Joseph (King) Fisher of Australia. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.A celebration of her life will take place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Elks Club in Aspen, starting with tributes from those who wish to contribute. Music will follow. Sequins, diamonds, sparkles and bright colors are preferred over black.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.