The Rapids Community Celebrates Supporter Joan Dobrzynski

COMMERCE CITY – In January, Joan Dobrzynski succumbed to leukemia that manifested in her bone marrow. Her valiant effort to defeat the predator did not go unnoticed. Even while she was at war, Joan mustered up ample wellness, tenderness, and good will to help her neighbors, including myself, comeback from their setbacks, both narrow and broad.

Mirroring her favorite MLS team, Joan displayed resolve and tenacity through the final days that she was with us.  

Her fight for life brought the best out of her family, friends, acquaintances and certainly the members of the Colorado Rapids community. Cole Bassett, who took to ‘Aunt Joan’ as much as she did to the rising star, posted this when she announced that she had an advanced stage of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. 

Last June, the modest Dobrzynski gifted the Burgundy Wave a rare cellphone-to-cellphone interview concerning her accidental discovery of the Rapids, and then, growing into a super fan over a twenty-plus year span.

She highlighted the joy of evolving into a supporter, which included attending nearly every practice session, meeting, and recognizing player at stadium events, flying off with her posse of senior uber fans to spring training camps, and even taking in newly acquired players. 

Not only did she love her Rapids’ side, she was often present, in flattering patriotic red, white, and blue outfits, at many United States Women’s and Men’s National Soccer Team games. She adored the play of Coloradans’ Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith.

Soon after we learned that she had passed, her extended family, the C38 Supporters Groups, companions, and the club joined together to orchestrate a remembrance that would be showcased at the Rapids’ home opener against Nashville SC. Coincidentally, the opposing side was complete with former Rapids’ including head coach Gary Smith, his first assistants, Steven Guppy, Matt Pickens, and Kosuke Kimura, who knew Joan all too well. During the 2009-2010 they delighted her when they led the Rapids to their first MLS Championship. Joan was their biggest cheerleader throughout that miracle in the Mile High City season.

When she got behind something compelling, including her rose garden, there was no stopping her grand effort to lend a delicate hand, then applaud at the resulting successes. She was indeed an enthusiastic role model, especially when it came to complimenting players and friends.

During the Nashville match, the C38 supporters group placed a jersey on her chair in Section 108 where she had season tickets for years, located on the east side of the stadium. It will remain there for every home game this season.

After the teams completed their procession to the center of the pitch, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park announcer, Alan Roach, led the audience, players, and staff in moment of silence. Concurrent, Joan’s cheerful image beamed from the stadium’s north end video scoreboard.

In the 38th minute of play, her seating section unfurled a massive life-like painting of Joan cheering on the team. C38sg artists and members both designed and created the enormous tifo.

TIFO and voice over from presser  by Chris Armas :

As one of the team’s most wholehearted fans and ardent supporters, her legacy will outlive us all.

The highest tribute that was paid to Joanie, was one how her family authored her obituary.

Joan, we miss you dearly. Thank you for sharing your life with us. And know, things are just not the same without you being present at DSGP, at practice or on match day. Rest in peace.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. If you want to support us, join our Patreon starting at $5/month. Also, we’re always looking for new talent to contribute to the site, develop, and give opportunities to. If you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer in any way, let us know.