Grace Hoeman

Grace Jansen Hoeman (1921– April 12, 1971) was an American mountaineer and pioneering female mountain climber. A doctor, she made a number of first ascents in Alaska. Hoeman led the first all-female expedition to Denali in 1970. She died in an avalanche while climbing Eklutna Glacier in Alaska.

Biography Grace Nieman was born in Silver Beach, Washington. At age 4, she moved to Holland with her Dutch mother, Juul. Her stepfather taught her to ski when she was 9.

In 1942, she moved to Berlin to attend school and married a doctor who was conscripted to serve as a medic; he was killed in combat two years after they married.

Return to the United States In 1950, Jansen returned to the United States and attended Yale University on scholarship. She met her second husband at Yale. and later entered a residency at Syracuse University. Her second marriage ended in divorce at this time. She made over 120 ascents in Alaska with her husband Vin Hoeman, including 20 first ascents. Five first ascents were made solo. That year, she accompanied her husband on a four-person expedition of the first traverse of the Harding Icefield.

In 1969, she summited Mount Rainier, as well as Orizaba and Chimborazo.

Grace Hoeman was distraught after her husband's death, especially as she was unable to join him on the failed expedition. Hoeman dedicated her life to finishing her husband's unfinished work writing a guide to the highest peaks in all 50 states.

"Denali damsels" In 1970, Hoeman led a group of women to the first successful all-female summit of Denali via the West Buttress Route. Alongside Hoeman, the climbing party included Arlene Blum, Margaret Clark, Faye Kerr, Dana Joan Isherwood, and Margaret Young. They were known as the "Denali Damsels". During the descent, Hoeman collapsed at 19,500 feet, and was pulled to safety by her team. They later descended the mountain safely. The trio were well-prepared for the trek, which aimed to reach the community of Girdwood. Hoeman and van der Laan were killed on April 12 by an avalanche while traversing a slope. Hoeman and van der Laan's remains were found in the summer of 1971 when snow melted and exposed their bodies.

Hoeman was survived by two daughters from her first marriage and three grandchildren.