Joan M. Donaghy Tichenor Obit

JOAN M. (DONAGHY) TICHENOR, 93, of Crosby, left this world peacefully on Dec. 16, 2024 at Heartwood Senior Living Community in Crosby. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, whose warmth, kindness and strength touched the lives of all who knew her. Joan was born in 1931 in Duluth. Joan grew up with a spirit of adventure and a deep love for family. She was known for her generosity, her quick wit, and her passion for traveling, gardening, cooking, volunteering and puzzles. Her greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones at the family cabin on Round Lake. Creating memories filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. Joan graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth (1949) and from UMD (1953) with a degree in Home Economics. She married Forrest Huyck in August, 1953, they had two sons, Randy and Jon. After losing her husband (Forrest) in 1979 Joan dedicated her life to raising her sons, volunteering (mission trips) and the United Methodist Women at Brooklyn United Methodist Church. In 2004, she married her lifelong friend Phil Tichenor. Her unwavering faith and resilience were a source of inspiration to all, and her guiding hand will be greatly missed.  Preceding Joan in death are her parents George and Sue Donaghy and husband, Forrest Huyck. She is survived by her husband Phil, sons and daughters-in-law  Randy and Karen and Jon and Rachael; sister, Roberta Finch; nephews, Ben (Tami), Dave (Rachel); grandchildren, Julie, Kelley, Brad, Simon and Mario; five great-grandchildren, Abigail, Isaac, Jacob, Teddy and Lucy; Phil’s children Terry (LeAnne), Lani (Bob) and Mike (Becky). She is also lovingly remembered by her step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren for her playful spirit and love. A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at Heartwood Senior Living Community, (500 Heartwood Drive, Crosby, MN 56441). Family and friends are invited to gather in her honor to share memories and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.