Joan Fagan McGurn

February 25, 1931 – February 12, 2012

Joan Fagan McGurn, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away at her home in Bellevue, WA just short of her 81st birthday.

Joan was born in Rochester, NY to Robert and Lydia Fagan. She was the granddaughter of the late Albert H. Baker, who was the Sherriff of Monroe County.

Joan graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948 and then received her BA degree from Nazareth College in 1952. She then embarked upon a career in teaching that spanned nearly 35 years and endeared her to the faculty, children and families at Rochester #42 School. During this time she received her Master’s degree at SUNY Brockport. Joan proved to be an outstanding educator, who was known for her diligence, rigorous style and excellence in the classroom.

Joan married the love of her life, James T. McGurn in 1955 and lived in Greece, NY until his death in February 2000. She then moved to Bellevue, WA and spent her remaining days in close proximity to her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Chris McGurn and her granddaughter, Kim.

Joan was a voracious reader and great conversationalist, who enjoyed spending summer vacations at the family cottage on Honeoye Lake. She loved traveling with Jim to destinations across the USA. Later in life, her greatest pleasures came from working in her garden, reading her many books and reminiscing about family and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Jim. She is survived by her brother, John (Marion) Fagan of Jupiter, FL; her sister, Carol (James) Johnson of Carmichael, CA; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Christine McGurn of Bellevue, WA and her granddaughter, Kimberly McGurn of San Diego, CA.

In her youth, Joan was beautiful, popular and very outgoing. During her life, she cultivated a love of learning and made a tremendous impact on the lives of her numerous students. Upon her death, she will be greatly missed for her kind generosity, keen intellect and wonderful Irish sense of humor.

Private Memorial services will be held at a later date at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Rochester, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Nazareth Fund at Nazareth College, Rochester, NY. Remembering may be shared at: www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com