Joan Plummer, a former Malibu Realtor, died Sept. 6 after a long battle with anemia and other complications at her home in Palm Desert, Calif.
Plummer was born in Los Angeles to Richard D. Larkin and Marie Larkin. Growing up, she was a talented ballet dancer and was dancing professionally with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera at 16. Plummer appeared in many stage and movie productions, including “Call Me Madam” and “Guys and Dolls.” After retiring from show business, she became a fashion model and worked her way up to be a vice president of Georgia Bullock, Inc., a leading fashion firm.
Plummer later retired to raise her family in Malibu. While family always came first, she quickly became involved in civic matters. Plummer served as president of the Point Dume Property Owner’s Association, where she worked to protect the open space of Point Dume for future generations to enjoy as protected land. She made many trips to Sacramento to speak in front of state legislators on behalf of the community. As a result of her efforts, the 33 acres she fought for will perpetually remain in its natural state.
Plummer was also a regent at her children’s school, Marymount Junior School in Brentwood, and founded the Seedling Auxiliary, a charity to aid the poor of downtown Los Angeles. The family became charter members of the Malibu Riding & Tennis Club, where Plummer and her daughter fell in love with horses and competed throughout the state. When the kids went off to school, Plummer became a highly respected real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Malibu, known for her integrity and attention to detail.
Plummer is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Plummer; her daughter, Jessica Closson, of San Francisco, and son, Christian Plummer, of Santa Monica; as well as her grandchildren Shaely Marie Plummer and Luke Closson, and extended family in Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Faith Marie Larkin.
A memorial is planned in Malibu at a later date.