Joan Nancy Hoard McCaughn

June 22, 1935 to Sept. 9, 2021

Joan Nancy Hoard McCaughn, age 86, of Port Washington, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, Wis.  

She was born in Wausau, Wis., on June 22, 1935, the daughter of Kenneth and Esther (Beil) Hoard.  

She married Kestner “Mac” McCaughn on Dec. 3, 1980. He preceded her in death in 1996.

Joan grew up in Mosinee, Wis., where she graduated from Mosinee High School in 1953. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1957 and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

Joan enjoyed a career teaching English, speech and art at high schools in Port Washington, Stoughton, Wausau and West Allis. Many of her students spoke fondly of her, regarding her as a true artist. Joan also enjoyed her role as a special education aide after her retirement.

Joan is survived by her siblings Jean McCartney of Janesville, Wis., and Kenneth (Joy) Hoard of Port Washington, Wis.; Jean’s children Thomas S. (Gina) McCartney of Elgin, Ill., and Jennifer (Craig) DeGarmo of Janesville; Ken’s children Michelle Hoard of Minneapolis, Minn., and Kendal (Marianna) Hoard of Mequon; as well as grandnieces Mary McCartney, Mikaela Hoard and Riley Burke; grandnephews Charlie DeGarmo, Sulley DeGarmo, Jack McCartney, Colin Burke, Khristian Hoard and Alexsander Hoard; other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother-in-law Thomas E. McCartney and her niece Kathryn (Brian) Burke.

Joan spent most of her retired life at her cabin along the shores of Lake Michigan, which became her main source of activity and enjoyment. Joan shared a special love with her feline companions over the years, leaving behind her most recent cat Shorty.

Family services were held with interment at Mosinee Cemetery, Mosinee, Wis.

Special thanks to Cathie Urness for her continued friendship and compassion for Joan.

Memorials in Joan’s name may be given to Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus in Saukville, Wis.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.