Joan Carroll Wilson Scallen, be-loved wife, devoted mother, and faithful servant of God went peacefully into the embrace of her Lord and her loving husband, Terry, on February 2, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.
Joan was born on November 23, 1934, to Ben and Rose Wilson of St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated fourth in her class from St. Paul Central High School in 1952, and went on to Macalester College where she graduated cum laude and received a B.A. in Philosophy and English and was inducted into the National Social Science Honor Society – Pi Gamma Mu.
Before her senior year, Joan was selected to participate in the Student Project for Amity Among Nations. Being born sight-impaired did not stop Joan from eagerly joining 12 other students to study in Ireland. It was there that she met the love of her life, Terence Scallen.
Joan and Terry were married in June of 1957, and after Terry completed his Ph.D at the University of Minnesota, the couple relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joan settled into a wonderful and busy life caring for their four children. Joan was a constant around her children’s schools, attending every sporting event, play, concert, and activity. Her fresh baked cookies, brownies, and oven baked chicken were favorites at every bake sale and potluck. Even with her limited sight, Joan was also an active participant in her parish’s RCIA program, giving talks on the Eucharist which are still used to this day. Joan also served on the boards of the PTA, the NM Society for the Gifted and Talented, and the NM Right to Life Committee.
Joan found joy in serving others, whether through her work in the church, her selfless acts of kindness, or the countless meals she prepared for her family and friends. She lived with a heart full of love, a spirit filled with grace, and an unshakeable faith that was, and is, an inspiration to those around her. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are joyful that Joan is now in the arms of her Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Her infectious smile, sharp wit, and beautiful blue eyes will live on with those who loved her – as will the memories of countless evenings she spent playing cards while she waited for her children to come home.
Joan is predeceased in death by her parents, Ben and Rose; her sister, Carroll; her husband Terence; and her infant son, Terry. She is survived by her children: Gregory Scallen, Michael Scallen (Jackie), Patricia Scallen Armstrong, and Susan Scallen (Dennis); and grandchildren Jamie (Bobby), Dane, Shannon, and Logan (Mel).
The family would like to thank the outstanding caregivers of North Shore Area Partners and the nursing staff of 2 West, St. Luke’s Hospital, for the loving, kind, and dedicated care of Joan.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the 12:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 10, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay, MN. The burial will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org or to North Shore Area Partners, Silver Bay, MN.
Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:23).
Rest in peace, dear Joan. You are deeply loved and will be forever missed.
