Taught Spanish at Christopher Newport University for seven years, then returned to NNPS and taught at Denbigh and Menchville High Schools .

Joan retired at age 56 and has been enjoying time with her two daughters and two granddaughters.  She continues to take classes on the university level…she is currently studying ornithology and has a passion for gardening.

-  Linda Mckenna Sivilich ('66) of PA - 03/11/07
Thanks, Linda!

GLOUCESTER - Esther Simpson McKenna, 86, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2007, in Sanders Nursing Home. She was born in Weeksville, N.C., and was the daughter of the late George and Emma Thornton Simpson and the widow of Thomas A. McKenna. She was a retired nurse and was a graduate of the Elizabeth Buxton School of Nursing and did graduate work at the Margaret Hague School of Nursing. She was a member of Bellamy United Methodist Church, the Elizabeth Buxton Nurses Association and the XYZ Club. She is survived by her stepchildren, Joan Ward of Hampton, Linda Sivilich of Glen Burnie, Md., and Dr. Thomas G. McKenna of Delcambre, La.; a sister, Ruth Mattox of Virginia Beach; a brother, George Carlton Simpson and his wife, Mary, of Gloucester; niece, Amy Curtis and her husband, John, of Gloucester; eight step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, in Bellamy United Methodist Church by the Rev. Stephen Vineyard. Memorial donations may be made to either Bellamy United Methodist Church Building Fund, Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, American Cancer Society or Gloucester Fire and Rescue. Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va., is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press on 6/11/2007.
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