Joan Wagstaff

Joan was born on February 24, 1927, in Washington, D.C. to George and Hallie Morris. Joan, her parents, and her younger sister Marilyn moved to Kansas City, Missouri after World War II. Joan attended Saint Theresa Academy, now known as Avila University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. After graduating, Joan worked for CARE International at their Kansas City office as a secretary. After working for CARE International for many years, Joan started working for the Belgian Consulate in Kansas City doing correspondence between the Consulate and the Embassy in Belgium. Joan was fluent in Spanish, Latin, Greek, Dutch, and Flemish and had numerous pen pals in several countries. Joan was also an exceptional tutor and helped many students obtain their GED certifications.

Joan had many hobbies and interests. She became a good cook while cooking for her mother when she was ill. She enjoyed playing the autoharp and the piano. Joan was also an accomplished gardener and liked growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Joan was very involved in many social groups which kept her busy and happy. Some of these social groups were Shawnee Mission Gem and Mineral Society, Missouri Valley Folk Society, O’Riada Irish Dance School, and Misses Baggett School of Dance.

Being a devoted Catholic, Joan was a long-time parishioner of Queen of the Holy Rosary where she sang with the choir for many years. She was the Publicity Chairman for the Catholic Alumni Club. It was during her time with the Catholic Alumni Club that she was introduced to square dancing with Swinging Singles. Through square dancing, Joan met her future husband, Hugh Wagstaff. Joan and Hugh were married on February 16, 1974, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church. They were married for 48 years.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hallie Morris and her sister, Marilyn Kane.

Joan is survived by her husband, Hugh Wagstaff; sister-in-law, Beverly (Don) Cutler; nieces and nephews, Daniel Kane, Thomas (Yvonne) Kane, Elizabeth Vine, Kathy Kane, Patricia Cutler, Cindy (Kevin) Ried, Jean Scofield, Annie (Barry) Alford, Alice (John) Morgan, Marian Young, Theresa Young (Ken Zeigler), and many grand nieces and nephews.

A Rosary service for Joan will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 5:00 PM at McGilley & Hoge Chapel with visitation to follow from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66204 with burial to follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flower, please donate to Saint Bonaventure University or Red Cloud Indian School in memory of Joan.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Wagstaff family.