Joan Carol Scully

1930 - 2024

Joan Carol Scully

April 29, 1930 - April 3, 2024

VALPARAISO, IN - Joan Carol Scully passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Valparaiso on April 3, 2024, at the age of 93. Admired for her tremendous devotion to family and friends, Joan was a pillar of strength and kindness throughout her long and wonderful life as a proud citizen of Northwest Indiana.

Born April 29, 1930, in Youngstown, OH, Joan was the daughter of loving parents, Angela and Anthony Parrott. Joan graduated from Rayen High School. She continued her education on scholarship at Youngstown State where she majored in biology and was named Panhellenic Queen. An elegant and beautiful woman, Joan worked her way through high school and college as a runway model. Upon graduation, Joan began her career in medical technology where she met her husband Dr.John T. Scully.

When they first met, Joan was the Chief Medical Technologist at the hospital where Dr. Scully was a medical resident in training. Dr. Scully earned a place on Joan's radar by constantly ordering "Stat" procedures at night. They married October 10, 1952. Together, they created a loving and wonderful family filled with four children, eight grandchildren and four great-granchildren who will dearly miss their "Granma Joanie."

Joan was a testament to the healing power of modern medicine. Diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 39, Joan was cured through the persistence and dedication of her husband, and the talent and wisdom of truly excellent pioneering physicians at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Joan battled additional serious health challenges most of her adult life, and did so with exceptional grace and courage.

Joan generously served and supported her community. Among many other causes, she served the St. Mary Medical Center Hospital Guild for over fifty years, Junior Assembly and Andrean High School.

Joan was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, and had over the years been a parishioner at Holy Angels, St. Peter & Paul and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was also a long-time member of Innsbrook Country Club. A knowledgeable and faithful sports fan, Joan closely followed the Chicago Bears (through thick and thin), Notre Dame football, IU basketball and the Andrean '59ers.

Joan is survived by her four children: Dr. Sharon Harig (Dr. James) of Valparaiso, IN, John A. Scully (Karen) of Dallas,TX, Susan Scully, R.N. of Valparaiso, IN, and Dr. Thomas Scully (Dawn) of Tucson, AZ. Also surviving are eight grandchildren of whom Joan was very proud: James Harig (Erika) of Cincinnati,OH, John P. Harig (Lauren) of Cincinnati, OH, Colleen Harig of San Diego, CA, Sara Scully of Dallas, TX, John C. Scully of Dallas, TX, Laura Scully of Dallas, TX, Dr.Thomas Scully (Alyson, R.N.) of Ft. Worth, TX and Caroline Scully, R.N. of Dallas, TX. Also surviving are four great-granchildren: Patrick, William, George and Maeve, all of Cincinnati, OH. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John T. Scully, and her parents, Angela and Anthony Parrott.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at BURNS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1800 Harrison Boulevard, Valparaiso, IN, with Rev. Doug Mayer officiating. Private burial will be at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73rd Avenue, Merrillville, IN.

Joan's wish was that memorial contributions be directed to the Dr. John T. Scully Medical Scholarship Fund, c/o The Legacy Foundation 1000 E. 80th Place North Tower 420 Merrillville, IN, 46410. To honor Joan's husband at the time of his retirement, Joan, her family and friends created in his name an Indiana University Northwest School of Medicine Scholarship Fund dedicated to the education of medical students of Lake and Porter County.

A special thank you for the loving and devoted care provided Joan by her constant and close companion, daughter Susan, the many outstanding caregivers including Jennifer Wampler, the devoted staff of Hospice of the Calumet and the wonderful health care providers of St. Mary Medical Center.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.burnsfuneral.com.