October 8, 2020 Joan C. (Knapp) McGuire of Daytona Beach, FL was embraced by angels and taken home to be with her heavenly Father in the very moment a tragic car accident in S.C. ended her earthly life. A devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joan’s Christian faith offers some comfort to all who loved her. Our hearts are broken. While we long to have one more chat, one more hug, one more dance with her; we know she is joyfully dancing with the angels in heaven and watching over those she left behind – until they join her in heaven.
Born in 1942, Joan was one of eight children. She grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY, married Richard Knapp, worked hard and started a family. They raised their children to believe they could do anything they set their minds to, encouraging them to pursue their interests and attended every baseball and football game, recital, and event. She went to work as a secretary to the principal of the elementary school when her youngest began kindergarten. By the time she retired, she had worked in the guidance office at Colonie Central High School, as an administrative assistant to the Superintendent of South Colonie Central School District, CSEA union representative, and worked in the office for special services for disabled and special needs students until she retired.
Joan loved family. She and her first husband spent years traveling the Adirondacks to fish, snowmobile, play cards and spending time with her family. They traveled the country to visit their children, especially during the holidays, and to attend USS Albany reunions around the country. Being a grandmother brought her great joy and she frequently took her grandson to the park, set up picnics in the yard at her home, attended little league games and concerts.
Shortly after the sudden death of her husband Richard Knapp, Joan moved to Florida and bought her little slice of heaven overlooking the ocean where she would spend some of her happiest years walking the beach, watching pelicans fly over, sandpipers scamper along the shore, and spending time with cherished friends and family. After deciding she was more a casual than a serious golfer, she took up dancing, which brought her great joy. She performed in numerous shows dancing tap, jazz, hula, etc. and joined friends for dances at the Moose Club where she met her second husband, Terry McGuire of Oak Hill, Florida. They shared many years dancing the night away, making memories in West Virginia, traveling the eastern seaboard, and spending summers in Maine.
A devoted Christian, Joan grew in faith with sisters in prayer and bible study in NY and Florida. She attended church regularly her entire adult life, from Lisha’s Kill Reformed Church and Christ’s Church in NY; to Tomoka Christian Church and Salty Church in FL. Her rock-solid faith was evident in every aspect of her life.
Joan is predeceased by husband of 36 years Richard Knapp, survived by husband Terry McGuire who she shared life with for 19 years; daughter Rebecca Murtagh-Miller (Robert Miller); son Richard Knapp Jr.; grandson Shea Murtagh; brothers Jerry Bishop and James Bishop; cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; sister-in-law Jean Uline (Leonard Uline) of New York, brother-in-law Barry McGuire (Sandy McGuire) of Maryland. Her unexpected departure has shocked and saddened all who knew and loved Joan. Her infectious smile, laugh, warm hugs, devotion to family and friends, and undying expression of joy grounded in her Christian faith will be remembered and greatly missed.
Out of concern for the health and well-being of everyone who loved Joan amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the family postponed memorial services until 2021.
Family and friends were finally able to celebrate our love of Joan as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend at a Celebration of Life in Saratoga Springs New York < click for photos and video) where Joan lived most of the first 55+ years of her life and a Celebration of Life in Daytona Beach Florida <click for photos and video) where she lived the last 20 years of her life.
This website has been created by Joan’s family.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to Samaritan’s purse (one of mom’s favorite charities), Tamoka Church or Salty Church (mom’s home churches), or the American Heart Association, in her memory.
Do all things in love!
I am sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I have many found memories of her.