Joan Handley, 75, of Berthoud, CO, entered into God’s kingdom on December 9, 2023. She was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on November 20, 1948, to Robert and Dorthy Lawson. Growing up, Joan was a friend to everyone and brought smiles and laughter everywhere she went. She was the head baton twirler for the University of Wyoming's marching band until her move to Colorado in 1969 to finish her BS degree in Recreation Therapy from C.U. Boulder. Joan came to know the Lord during her time there and truly embodied the verses Mathew 22:37-39. She loved God and loved people to the fullest. In 1980, she was instrumental in the creation of a progressive therapeutic recreation (TR) program called EXPAND at the City of Boulder Recreation Department. Adaptive water skiing, raft trips, wheelchairs, tennis, train trips to Glenwood, adaptive swim lessons, and dance and art programs were some of the opportunities offered. Joan’s philosophy was to provide people with disabilities equal access to recreation opportunities, to live healthy and happy lifestyles, with a good dose of adventure and true joy. She not only made a tremendous impact on many individuals and their families’ lives, but she also contributed to the growth of community TR professionals, influencing TR staff and interns. Joan reached for the stars to make opportunities happen for people with disabilities, and EXPAND became the community-based recreation program model for many other cities in Colorado. She loved to take adults with intellectual disabilities on trips and outings and ran a successful business called “Just for Fun” after retiring from EXPAND. She loved being a mother and grandmother most of all. She spent as much time with all of them as she could. She shared herself and her life with everyone. Many will remember what a crazy and fun time it was to be with Joan, especially on a trip. Joan’s impact and legacy will be forever felt by her family and friends. Most of all, reflected in all the adaptive recreation programs being offered along the Colorado front range is the sheer joy of laughter and a well-executed, but harmless, prank. Joan was a loving and devoted mother. She is survived by her daughters, Molly Johnston and Jenny Handley; son-in-law Brent Johnston; granddaughter, Hazel and grandsons, Troy and Rhys. She is also survived by her sister Barb Zanoni. A “celebration of life” service will take place at Whitefields Church in Longmont, CO on December 30th at 12pm. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Youth With a Mission. One of her last bucket list wishes was to join this organization.