Joan Jacob Keogh

WALLINGFORD - Joan Jacob Parry Keogh, 83, born in Pittsburgh, Pa., passed on to her Savior Sunday, June 4, 2017, in Meriden.

Joan leaves her cherished husband, Robert, of Wallingford; and beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Holly and Mark Wagner, Gay and Jeff Hurley, and Michele and Ken Deane to carry on her spirit and joy for life. Her wonderful step-sons and daughters-in-law, Peter and AJ Keogh, and Terence and Jessica Keogh became the sons she never had. Joan was so proud of her grandchildren, Courtney Wagner Peerless, and Jim Peerless, Kristin Wagner, John Quigg, and fiancé, Christie Genzano, Tim and Rachelle Quigg, Samantha Hurley and fiancé, Steve Diamond, Jessica Deane Pantazis, and Johnny Pantazis, Jacob Deane, Tyler Coffin, Brendan Keogh, Caitlin Keogh, Sean Keogh, Conor Keogh; and great-grandson, Gavin Quigg. Joan is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Jacob; nephew, Robert Jacob and wife, Eustacia Muir and children, Alanna and Colby, Caitlin Jacob, and husband, Chris Lisowski, and children, Micaela and Dylan, and Erin Jacob and husband, Peter Lucas, and daughter, Neavah; and a host of other Keogh, Jacob, and Parry nieces and nephews; relatives and friends. Joan is predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Lucile Jacob; her grandmother, Marie Knight; and her brother, Dr. Herbert Jacob; and several close friends including her "Golden Girls".
Always the life of the room, Joan enjoyed hosting parties for family and friends. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jeopardy, and classic movies. She spent 50 years teaching, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Hartford. In retirement, she traveled extensively before returning to her calling, teaching, and retiring again at 79. She was very active in her church Saint Peter and Paul in Wallingford and always had a strong faith. She was immensely proud of her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa., and built a new home in Connecticut. She was overjoyed to have found a home away from home in Oak Island, N.C., the birthplace of so many cherished family memories. Joan often said that her greatest blessing was her family, which she was so privileged to watch grow and thrive. For Joan, family was always more than shared blood. She gladly welcomed any and all into her home and her heart. In the last few years of her life, she noted frequently what immense joy it gave her to see what a beautiful legacy she had created.

Joan's family will receive relatives and friends in the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Thursday, June 8, from 4 until 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul Church, 127 N. Orchard St., Wallingford. Those attending the mass are asked to meet directly at church. Interment will be private. For online condolences or directions visit www.wallingfordfh.com.