Joanne Grace (Borgeson) McGirl

Joanne Grace (Borgeson) McGirl was born September 17, 1934 and passed away on May 11. She went to Central High School in Duluth, MN graduating in 1953. She married John J. McGirl, Jr. on July 16, 1955, and together they had two children, Mark and Julie.

Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved to play cards, socialize, and help others. She could play cribbage for hours. Even in the days before her death, she delighted in beating her son in cards and her grandchildren in Yahtzee. Joan was easy to please and looked for the joy in everything. She was as happy with a trip to a local drive through as she was going out to a fancy dinner. At the beginning of each daily adventure, she would exclaim, “Wheee!” She said doing so always helped her to change her attitude. Joan never spoke poorly of anyone and lived by the adage that if you can’t say anything nice, do not say anything at all. She adored her grandchildren. Countless hours were spent playing games, eating ice cream, staying up late at sleepovers and traveling together on vacations to Florida, Maine, California, and Hawaii, to name a few. She loved going to her grandchildren’s games, and school events and cheering them on.

Preceded in death by the grandparents who raised her, John and Carmella Scatieno, mother Agnes Musolf, father Lester Borgeson, Uncle Nick (Lorraine) Scatieno, sisters, Karen Peterson and Jean “Bonnie” and Pat St. Germaine, brother-in-law, Neil McGirl, sister-in-law, Colleen Baker, nephew, Mark St. Germaine, niece, Stephanie Martin, father of her son-in-law, Chris, John C. McGlincey, and special friend, Harold T. “Tom” Wells.

She is survived by her son, Mark, and her daughter, Julie McGirl McGlincey, her son-in-law, Christopher McGlincey, and grandchildren Clare and Brendan.  Joan loved her sisters. She followed her oldest sister and friend Mary (Ron) Martin everywhere. Carol (David) Jouppi meant the world to her and will be near her in their final resting place. She loved time spent laughing with Larry Peterson, Dorrie (Bobbie) Jouppi, and Carmen (Todd) Kaarbo.  Joan had many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. John (Kirsten), Ramona (Kenny), Carrie (Greg), Scott (Shelley), Jayson ( Stacy), Tracy (Tony),  Christine (Randy), Rob (Andee), Michael (Nicole), Christopher (Wendy), Mary Alice (Jay) and Noah. Joan was especially grateful to Noah Kaarbo for giving Mark the gift of life through kidney donation and Mary Alice Jouppi, who cared for her like a daughter would. Joan developed a warm friendship with Jack’s wife Cindy McGirl and was included in special milestone celebrations. She was close to Julie and Mark’s sisters, Shana McGirl and Krista Barnes and her children, Kaia and Mason. She enjoyed family trips to Maine to be with Anne McGlincey, Kiki (Rick) Stevens, and Chase Stevens.

Joan was a kind friend to all and they, too, became like family. She treasured holiday celebrations with Dr. Beth Jordan and David Kett’s family. Reid (Julia) and Madeline Kett were like grandchildren to her, as well. Joan enjoyed all of her friends at Lilydale Senior Living Center. She was always doing something. Her magic was that she always gathered others to join her. Special thanks to Dr. Lissa Chipeco and her nurse Sue Braun for their dedicated care over the last few months.

To honor Joan’s life, play cards with a friend, consider giving a call to someone with whom you haven’t spoken in a while, teach a child a game, eat some chocolate, or clean a little because Joan did not like clutter. “Whee, mom!”

A private graveside eulogy will be held this summer in Duluth.

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