Joan N. Mangan 1928-2016
A fine and noble lady has left this world. This past Saturday, almost two years after the sudden death of her beloved daughter, Jean (see blog entry about this from 2014), Joan
Mangan died. What a life she had! And so blessed she was, to be given such a long life--and to pass from this earthly realm in the loving presence of her children. My heart breaks for this family; they have endured more than their share of pain, but they've maintained their sense of humor and loving hearts. To them, I dedicate this post,
I met Joan (pronounced Jo Ann) Mangan around 1987 when her daughter, Jean, began
work at Rockford Public Library and later became one of my supervisors. We soon
got to know what a lovely lady Jean’s mother was, and what a great bond Joan
and Jean shared. Jean loved to tell us all the wonderful Mangan stories, with
her dear mother (who was her best friend) shining always in the center. What a
rare family--what a wonderful mother the Mangan siblings had! She had room in
her heart to mother others, as well--many a time Joan dried my tears, over the
phone, when I'd call to speak to Jean about some drama at work and Joan ended
up with the call. I'm so glad Joan got
to go to Ireland with Jean--was it just once or more than once? Such memories
to cherish. Later in Joan’s life, she and Jean shared a wonderful home
together. I can hear their laughter as they are now reunited; I’ll tell you
all, those two made me howl with mirth so many times! You see, they both
thought that the baby names in the newspaper were hilarious. So, Joan would
clip them out for Jean's delectation.
Jean would laugh until she cried and then deliver them to me at work.
Our favorites were "Gassy," “Timmy Tinkletop,” “Clinton Renee,” and
"Anastazia Earth Fire." That's
just one of the many ways in which I remember the fun and the joy that Joan
radiated wherever she went. I thinks she was the purest soul I ever knew--she
was a grand lady with the rare combination of a deep spirit and a true
appreciation for silliness. Truly, I
felt a connection with Joan that went beyond ordinary. Her sense of humor rarely faltered. Her
empathy floored me. Her sincerity,
concern and caring must have had such a positive impact on others! Her deep love for her children was evident
in everything she said and did. Her dignity and grace when life dealt her
tragedy and sorrow was unsurpassed; it came to be a great source of strength
for me, as I am sure it was for her children and for all who knew her. And Joan
had so many gifts to share with others! Did you all know what a beautiful
singing voice she had? At the age of eighty-six, she absolutely blew my mind
with her pure soprano. And I'll never forget the way she made me feel so at home
in her presence--as if in her heart resided a home for all of the often-troubled
souls whose trials and tribulations provided fodder for the countless
"library stories" Jean would share around the dinner table.. I'm sure
Joan laughed the most, but there was always respect and kindness toward the
people who touched Joan's life in one way or another. Joan was the heart, the muse, the grace note,
the jewel of a remarkable family. All of you: Larry, Diane, Kevin, Eileen,
Michael, Lori and Patrick, know that now your mother and your sister sit as
angels upon each of your shoulders and will be with you always. Ar dheis
Dé go raibh tú, Joan. Suaimhneas síoraí or. I love you, Joan.
