Joan Mansfield Brannigan of
Evanston, native of Arlington, Mass., died on Dec. 8 2020.
She was preceded in death by
her beloved husband Walter J.; her parents Frederick and Margaret (nee
Grannan), sister Ann O’Neil, brothers Frederick A. and James L., and her son James
W. “Jay”. Beloved mother of Susan, Mark (Merrily Goodrich), and David
(Elizabeth Rack), loving and proud grandmother of Maura and Cooper Brannigan,
aunt of many.
After graduating from Boston
University, Joan worked for Warner Bros.’ Boston public relations office and
became the toast of the town at movie premieres and charitable events. Walt and
Joan married in 1949, after a long-distance romance, and the couple eventually settled in
Arlington, Mass.
A decade later they moved to
Evanston with their young children, and Joan became active in their church and
with various civic and charitable organizations. With her children grown, Joan
began a long, successful career as executive assistant to the managing partner
of William Blair & Co.
Lifelong interests were her
family and friends, traveling with Walt, the arts and music, and sports.
Due to restrictions on
gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, services will be private.
Memorial contributions may
be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/Illinois, in
lieu of flowers.
The family wishes to thank
the staff at Westminster Place, particularly those on Birch Court, for the
care, skill, and love they gave our mother during her residence.