Joan Mondale, the wife of Walter Mondale, who was elected as Jimmy Carter’s Vice President in 1976, passed away, on Monday, at the age of 83.

The family announced Joan’s passing with a statement issued through their church. “We are grateful for the expressions of love and support we have received. Joan was greatly loved by many. We will miss her dearly,” the statement read.

Joan, who became known as “Joan of Art”, entered hospice care on Friday, January 31, and later went peacefully with Walter and her two sons Ted and William by her side.

Shortly after her husband became the U.S. Vice President, Carter named Joan honorary chairwoman of the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities. With this title, Joan was a firm supporter and advocate for government support for the many art programs across the United States. Joan also gave tours and lectures at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the National Gallery of Art.

Joan documented her lectures in a book titled, Politics in Art. ”Sometimes we do not realize how important our participation in politics is. Often we need to be reminded of our duty as citizens,” an excerpt from the book read. ”Artists can do just that; they can look at our politicians, our institutions and our problems to help us understand them better.”

President Barrack Obama and former President Jimmy Carter also released statements offering their condolences to the Mondale family.

“A lifelong patron of the arts, Joan filled the vice presidential mansion with works by dozens of artists, including many unknowns, and later did the same at the U.S. embassy in Japan during her husband’s tenure as ambassador,” Obama said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Vice President Mondale and his family today as we remember with gratitude ‘Joan of Art’ and her service to our nation.”

”She was exemplary in using the opportunities public service provided to advance the arts and other issues important to her and many Americans,” Carter and his wife Rosalynn said.

Undoubtedly, Joan will be missed by many, and will remembered for her service to the United States, and her love for the arts.

Image via Wikimedia Commons