Joanie Spina, David Copperfield's Former Assistant, Arlington Native, Dies at 61

Photo: Joanie Spina, via the ‘Prayers for Joanie Spina’ Facebook page

Joanie Spina, a magician, dancer, choreographer and director who was magician David Copperfield’s lead assistant and choreographer, died Sunday, according to the Facebook page, “Prayers for Joanie Spina.” She was 61.

Spina worked with Copperfield for over a decade, in the 1980s and 1990s, before going solo and then directing.

She graduated from Arlington High School in 1971.

According to a Sunday post on the page on behalf of Spina’s family, Spina had been battling lung disease and was waiting for double-lung and liver transplants at the time of her death.

Arlington Patch will post her full obituary, including her funeral and memorial service information, once it becomes available.