Joyce Irene Lindeman, 88, died Sept. 8, 2021, at her home after a valiant battle with ALS. Ever the consummate teacher and coach, Joyce modeled gracious and generous living and dying, asking about or bestowing gifts to family, friends, neighbors and student-athletes until her last day. While the disease made talking difficult, she found ways to converse with many members of her beloved Michigan Synchro Masters team, whom she coached for 20 years, and dozens of friends who visited during the past nine months. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Joyce had a storied teaching career at Thurston High School and the University of Michigan Division of Kinesiology. She retired in 2000. Joyce’s contributions to artistic swimming are legendary. She was introduced to the sport in the early 1960’s and caught the attention of officials organizing a 15-week U.S. Synchronized Swimming World Tour. She was asked to be team manager, leading 18 athletes on an educational teaching exhibition though cities in Europe and Asia. This experience only strengthened her desire to promote and grow the sport:

She established and coached the University of Michigan Varsity Synchronized Swim Team. During 1972-1983, the team produced outstanding international athletes and consistently ranked among the top three teams in the nation. Additionally, Joyce served as coach or team manager for a number of U.S. teams that competed or gave clinics abroad, served on two International Olympic Committees, the USSSI Board of Governors as well as acted as Executive Vice President for ten years. Joyce was also instrumental in crafting the original USSSI Coaches’ Certification Program.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Michigan Synchro Masters, Arbor Hospice, First United Methodist Church of Ypsilanti, or the ALS Society of Michigan.

Remembering Joyce Lindeman

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