Joan A. OAR

1941 - 2020

OAR - Joan A. (nee Mullen)
Of West Falls, NY, born in Buffalo, NY, on June 4, 1941, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020, at the age of 79. Joan is survived by her husband, Ross Oar, her children Tara Pinheiro (nee Crow), Sean Crow, and Garth Crow, along with their spouses, 9 grandchildren, and stepchildren, Eric Oar, Ross Oar, Jr., and Jennifer Arts (nee Oar). She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Crow, and her sister Colleen Clements (nee Mullen). Joan was a 1958 graduate of Griffith Institute High School in Springville, NY. After raising her three children, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Chester University in West Chester, PA. Finding personal fulfillment in teaching, Joan began her long career at Old Eagle Elementary School in Wayne, PA, and in 1990, began a respected and enthusiastic devotion to teaching science in Tallahassee, FL, at the School of Arts and Sciences where she served her students until retiring in 2010. Joan's passion for teaching science provided great opportunities for her students to participate in innovative programs with community organizations including but not limited to The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, the Academic Resource Center (ARC), and the Mary Brogan Museum all in Tallahassee, FL. The lead teacher for ARC summed up Joan's teaching style in a laudatory awards nomination letter written quite simply, "She (Joan) is a true professional, but more importantly, her students love her". Sharing her love of science and inspiring her students was indeed Joan's most important strength as a teacher. In recognition of her commitment to education and excellence in teaching, Joan received multiple Teacher of the Year Awards during her career. After her retirement from teaching, Joan relocated to West Falls, NY and married Ross C. Oar on October 16, 2010 where she enjoyed the company of her beloved Class of 1958, among other friends, as well as artistic endeavors including drawing, painting and wood carving. While spending winters in Florida, Joan competed in the Florida State Fair and was honored with multiple awards for her artwork. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Rd., near Lake Ave., on Saturday, July 11, 2020, from 12 Noon - 3 PM. Online condolences at www.lombardofuneralhome.com