Joan G. Fornara

Joan Elizabeth Fornara, 88, was born in Prescott, Arizona, on Sept. 10, 1927 to Fred and Dulcie Gegg and died on March 29, 2016. Joan grew up in Prescott and attended St. Joseph's Academy, graduating in 1944. She attended Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles for two years and returned to complete her education at the University of Arizona, earning a B.S. in Chemistry in 1948. Upon graduation, Joan moved to the San Francisco area working for Western Regional Research Lab in Emoryville. It was during these years that she rekindled a friendship with Prescott resident, Charlie Fornara, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Joan and Charlie were married on June 25, 1952. They spent 62 years together in the Prescott area where they raised their family.Joan served 26 years as the secretary at Sacred Heart School. She was an enthusiastic ambassador for the school. She loved her work there, especially the relationships with and impact she had on the students and the friendships she formed with her colleagues.Joan possessed a deep faith and was a devout, life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish. She served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years and was often volunteering for various ministries as recently as a week before her passing. When asked to help, she never declined to become involved.Joan is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie; and her sisters, Winifred and Eleanor Gegg. Survivors are her children, Marilyn Wilcox (Reid), John (Kim), Jim, Chuck (Sarah) and Joe (Stacie). Joan adored her 10 grandchildren, Matthew and Brian Wilcox; Jason, Joel (Kaitey), Kristin, James, Will, Josie, Ava, and Leo Fornara. Joan is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Trengove (Ray) and their five children.