Mooney, Joan Brockbank 76, passed away Monday, August 19th at her home in Burnsville after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Joan was a loving and supportive mother, wife, and friend who was cared for by her husband and devoted care takers in her final years. Born July 2, 1943 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Carl and Florence Johnson, Joan was raised in Eau Claire, attending Regis High School. After high school, she attended the College of St Kate's and graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota with a BA in English. Joan was recruited to teach high school in Sacramento, CA where she met her future husband Carl. Joan and Carl returned to Minnesota and were married on August 12, 1967. Joan then began her 34 year career as an English teacher at St Louis Park High School. She was a beloved teacher who eventually became a highly respected department chair. Joan was instrumental in developing the school's advanced placement program and wrote countless college recommendations. Such was her mastery of words that Joan was asked to be the media representative for the 750+ member teacher's union during strike negotiations. Joan became "Nana" when her first two grandchildren, Olivia and Thomas, were born in 2005. Joan was a wonderful Nana and instilled her love of learning. In retirement, Joan and Carl travelled to places of shared interest. Joan leaves her husband of 52 years, Carl Mooney; her sons, John (Zindy) Mooney and Paul (Rene) Mooney; her sister, Kathyrn Normington; her brother, Jim Johnson; six grandchildren - Olivia, Thomas, Odin, Ophelia, Olver, and Daniel; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She has left her legacy in countless ways and is missed by all. A mass celebrating Joan's life will be held Saturday, Sept 14th at 1pm at Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville. A reception will follow immediately after mass at the church, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (alzfdn.org).

Published on August 25, 2019