Joanna “Nana” Kay Burford

Joanna “Nana” Kay Burford

Iowa City

Joanna Kay Burford, age 73, died at the University Hospitals in Iowa City after a prolonged struggle with pneumonia. Her long-time partner, Jim Snitzer, stayed at her bedside until her passing during the early hours of January 5. Her siblings and niece were able to reminisce with her and say their goodbyes on the afternoon prior to her passing. They were amazed that she maintained her sense of humor to the very end.

Nana Burford was born April 10, 1952, at the University Hospitals in Iowa City. She was the daughter of artists Byron and Kay Burford. As a child she traveled with her family every summer, camping in an Airstream trailer. During the 1960/61 school year the family lived in Banstead, England, and the family toured Europe in the summer of 1961. When their car broke down in Germany, they continued the tour in a Volkswagen Beetle; they were a close-knit family of five. Nana had fond memories of her time in England.

Nana attended University High School in Iowa City, graduating in 1970. She received her BFA degree in 1974, her Master of Arts degree in 1977, and her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1979 all at the University of Iowa. Nana was an accomplished artist who worked in various media including drawing, painting, printing, metal work, and pottery. Nana worked under printmaker Virginia Meyers who once said of her, “Nana was well-endowed with drawing and painting skills before she was even a student at the University.” Nana also fashioned many life-like, delicate porcelain dolls.

Nana had a large circle of friends and was adored by them. She enjoyed listening to classical music and was an avid reader. In keeping with her love of books, Nana worked at Prairie Lights bookstore in Iowa City for many years. Nana and Jim loved her dogs, Katie, Maisie, and Jimmy, who were the occasional subjects of her artwork and often spoiled with gourmet meals. Her love for animals carried over into her appreciation of Mary’s Farm Sanctuary, Inc. of Lone Tree.

Nana is survived by Jim Snitzer of Iowa City, her two siblings, Kathy Burford Lewis (Don Coe) and Kevin Burford (Helen Burford), both of Iowa City, and her niece Madeline Kent (Andrew Kent) and great-niece Penelope Kent of Marion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mary’s Farm Sanctuary, Inc. of Lone Tree.