Joan S. McGurren, 63, Retired to West Tisbury

Joan S. McGurren a new resident on Martha's Vineyard since February 2006 died unexpectedly at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital on Monday, Nov. 13 after an accident in West Tisbury. She was 63 years of age.

She was the wife of Henry John (Jay) McGurren of West Tisbury and was born in Berkeley, Calif., the daughter of James and Margaret (Metcalf) Smillie on July 7, 1943. She later moved to the Pacific Northwest where her father was serving in the armed forces.

She lived in Redondo Beach, Calif. and then attended the University of Arizona where she met her future husband and was graduated in 1965 with a degree in fine arts. In 1967 she received a degree in education. They married in 1966 and following Jay's graduation from law school in 1968 moved to Washington, D.C. where Jay earned his master's degree in environmental law. They lived in Chicago for a couple of years and then returned to the D.C. area settling in Great Falls, Va., where she worked as a commercial graphic artist for McGurren Weber Commercial Design and thereafter for Computer Tots and Abrakadoodle in Reston, Va. She retired from Abrakadoodle in 2005.

Joan was an avid horse rider and driver. In 2002 she was the Bellcrown East Coast Preliminary Pair Pony Champion. She was also an accomplished painter in both watercolors and oils. Her knitting talents took the first place blue ribbon for her afghan in this year's Agricultural Fair.

She attended the West Tisbury Congregational Church and belonged to the women's group. She also was a member in a host of horse related societies.

She is survived by her husband; a son, Capt. Michael McGurren, USMC, stationed at Camp Lejeune; a daughter, Katherine, Carroll McGurren of Richmond; and her two grandchildren, Connor and Carter McGurren. She was predeceased earlier in life by her brother, James.

A memorial service will be held in the West Tisbury Congregational Church, State Road, West Tisbury on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Arlene Bodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. For online guest book and information visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.