In Memoriam.ca - Always in our hearts

About her

Joan M (Murphy) Guzzardo

Born: March 26th, 1942

Passed on: February 9th, 2017

Joan M. (Murphy) Guzzardo, age 74, a longtime resident of St. John's, Newfoundland, Royal Oak, Michigan, and St. Lucie West, Florida passed away with her loved ones near her on February 9, 2017. Joan was born on March 26, 1942 to the late Joseph and Mary Murphy in St. John's, Newfoundland.  Joan attended St. Joseph's and Holy Heart of Mary. She was honored to be chosen to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1959. She completed her nursing degree at The General Hospital School of Nursing. Joan ventured to the United States, bringing her genuine Newfoundland spirit with her, to continue her career in nursing.

Joan's family was the center of her universe and every single one of them brought her great joy. She was always checking in with you on the telephone and quick to exchange a story or breaking news. Many of those calls were Joan's longtime childhood friends.. Her giving heart was not limited to her family and friends but also carried over into her career. Joan was an exemplary nurse. Her exceptional bedside manner combined with her selfless spirit lead her to multiple positions as director of nursing at Oakland General Hospital, Hilton Convalescent Home, and Upjohn Healthcare Services.

Joan will always be known for soaking in the sun whenever she could. She loved to travel with her late husband, Thomas, and never missed her yearly trip to visit her family and friends back home with her daughters and grandchildren. Joan was also known for her second to none sense of style and love for shopping. She was always impeccably dressed and perfectly accessorized. Joan was a kind and generous person who loved life and always lit up the room with her smile. She will be dearly missed.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas W. Guzzardo; loving mother of Stefanie Clarke and Stacey (Anthony) Smith; proud grandmother of Marisa Clarke, Isabelle Clarke, Ethan Clarke, and Kaya Smith; dear sister to Doreen (the late Thomas) Mortati, the late Gwendolyn (survived by Harold) Richardson, Shelia (John) Kenny, and the late Brian (survived by Juli) Murphy; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held this summer in St. John's.

In honor of Joan's memory memorials to the American Heart Association are appreciated.