Joan Whalen-Ayyappan

Whalen-Ayyappan, Joan DALLAS, Texas Joan Whalen-Ayyappan, our beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend was born April 20, 1957, in Troy, and passed away on August 26, 2015, in Dallas, at the age of 58. In addition to being an A+ spouse, mother, sister, aunt and friend, Joan was an extraordinary college educator. Joan married her much loved husband from India, D.P. Ayyappan in 1983. They lived in Richardson, Texas, where they celebrated the joy of the birth of their daughter, Kartika in 1997. Joan supported her daughter and many other students as a leader and constant volunteer involved in PTA, Girl Scouts and Richardson High School Band. She enjoyed creating pottery. She was a dog lover and was always surrounded by a canine companion. Joan was a graduate of Catholic Central High School, Troy, class of 1976 and of Russell Sage College in 1980. She earned an M.S. in econometrics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was in the process of completing her doctorate. She worked as a professor at DeVry University for 32 years teaching math, economics and statistics. Many students were helped through subjects they considered unpassable by the encouragement and illustrations given by the professor they called "Ms. Whalen." Joan was predeceased by her parents, Edward J. Whalen and Martha Wallace Whalen. She is survived by her husband, D.P. Ayyappan; and daughter, Kartika Ayyappan. She was the sister of Diana (Michael) O'Brien of Albany; aunt of Martha (Jason) Goldstein, Nora (Matthew) Gleason, and Colleen (Brendan Kennedy) O'Brien all of Albany. She was the great aunt of Ariel Goldstein; and the niece of Kathleen Johnson of Yardley, Pa., formerly of Troy. She also has extensive family members in India and in the USA. Joan spent the past year in a brave battle against a brain tumor and was surrounded by an army of family members and friends. Joan lived her life in a way that can be compared to a vinter. The wine maker cherishes the golden and scarlet globes of sweet goodness and extracts the heart of wine. Joan lived her life to the fullest in much the same way. After an exhausting year of battle, Joan saw her precious daughter start college. All of the necessary affairs were in order. Her soul saw that it was good and she quietly slipped away. The family held a private service honoring Joan's life in Dallas in September. It was Joan's wish to be cremated and to be interred with her parents at St. Peter's Cemetery in Troy. A funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany on November 24, 2015, at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Joan's life, memorials may be to the National Brian Tumor Society or the cancer organization of their choice. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit McveighFuneralHome.com.