06/05/2025
To those who had the pleasure of meeting Joanne Mayhew
It is with sadness but also deep gratitude and fond remembrance that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and longtime travel companion, Joanne Mayhew, at the age of 87.
Before she became involved with Pauwels Travel Bureau, Joanne was already inspiring students to explore the world with Ship’s School Educational Tours. She first escorted a group on a three-week Mediterranean cruise in the sixties, setting the stage for a lifetime of adventure. When Pauwels Travel Bureau acquired Ship’s School in the seventies, we had the privilege of meeting Joanne, and she quickly became an integral part of our tour programs, taking her own as well as other students on exciting but also highly enriching travel experiences in Greece, Italy, France, and elsewhere in Europe. After her retirement as a teacher, she became involved in our adult tour programs, appearing as “Mother Superior” on many of Jack’s tours, ensuring that laughter, learning, and discovery remained at the heart of every trip. I personally had the joy of traveling and laughing my way around the world with Joanne, cherishing every adventure from Egypt and Israel to Russia and Ukraine.
Joanne touched the lives of so many with her passion for languages, art, and exploration. She was a teacher, a mentor, a leader, and most of all, a dear friend. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the legacy of joy and curiosity she leaves behind.
If you traveled with Joanne and have memories to share, we invite you to share them with us on our page where we have posted this tribute.
Let’s remember Joanne not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the incredible journeys she led us on, and for the impact she had on all who had the privilege to know her.