Joan Thayer, former Marin County assessor, dies at 82

Joan Christine Thayer, a San Rafael resident of 47 years who served on the City Council and worked as the Marin County assessor-recorder, died on Oct. 10. She was 82.

“Everybody liked her. She was dedicated to public service and she took it seriously,” her son Kevin said Tuesday.

Ms. Thayer died of Alzheimer’s disease, he said.

Shelly Scott, Marin’s assessor-recorder-county clerk, said she was honored to have Ms. Thayer swear her into office.

“Her leadership, kindness and commitment to the community left a legacy that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her,” Scott said.

Ms. Thayer was born in Washington, D.C., to Carl and Alice Hesse. After attending the University of Maryland and earning a law degree, she was admitted into the State Bar of California in 1977. The same year, her family moved to San Rafael after living in San Francisco, her son said.

He said his mother struggled to find work after earning her law degree. She later found her calling in politics.

“She taught me perseverance, finding what you love and doing it with a sense of humor,” he said.

Ms. Thayer got her political start in 1979 when she was elected to the board of the Dixie School District, which is now the Miller Creek School District. She joined the San Rafael City Council in 1987.

San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin described her as a “wonderful person” and a trailblazer.

“Joan led with heart and conviction, and her legacy continues to inspire those of us who serve today,” Colin said.

After serving two terms on the City Council, Ms. Thayer was elected county assessor-recorder.

“Joan was a dedicated public servant whose compassion and integrity shaped the community she loved,” said Assemblymember Damon Connolly, a former San Rafael councilmember and Marin County supervisor. “She championed good governance and always put the people of San Rafael first.”

Ms. Thayer was the assessor-recorder for 16 years until her retirement in 2011. She was succeeded by Richard Benson.

Lynn Woosley, who represented Marin County in Congress, honored Ms. Thayer on the House floor when she retired. She noted that Ms. Thayer was the second woman to serve on the San Rafael City Council, and in 1994 she was one of two women who led county assessor-recorder offices in California.

“She has been an advocate for the just and efficient property tax system our communities rely upon, and she has performed her duties with the utmost integrity and professionalism,” Woosley said.

Aside from her work, Ms. Thayer was an avid reader, pianist and home cook who admired cookbooks by chef and television personality Julia Child, her son said.

In addition to her son, Ms. Thayer is survived by her husband John, her sister Susan and her three grandchildren, Dylan, Trevor and Jax, according to a published obituary. A memorial service has not been announced.