Posted on Feb 18, 2000

Joan
Robison McLoughlin, technical services specialist in Schaffer Library for
the last 15 years, was remembered at a memorial service on Tuesday for her
creativity, her sensitivity and her love of shows like Star Trek
and The X Files.

Joanie, as she was known, died on Feb. 10 of cystic
fibrosis. She was 43.

One colleague recalled her “over-the-moon
excitement” over her wedding and the trips she took with her husband,
Stanley Johnson Jr. Another recalled her fondness for giving gifts she had
made, saying she still uses a set of embroidered potholders “that I
should have retired a long time ago.”

“She taught us how to live gracefully,” said a
colleague in describing her ability to deal with her disease and still be
highly productive at work.

Betty Allen, a long-time friend, spoke of being with her
the day before her wedding when she tried on her wedding gown and said,
“I have dreamed of this my whole life.” Allen also shared her
friend's hope that more people become organ donors. “(A transplant)
was not possible for Joanie, but I know she would want it for all of her
friends (with cystic fibrosis),” she said.

Joanie's husband, Stan, spoke of her fondness for
music ranging from classical to the Beatles. Together they attended the
College's chamber music series in Memorial Chapel; sometimes she would
stand in the hallway for fear of disrupting the concert with her coughing,
he said. He also spoke of her vast knowledge of her disease and how she
often taught young doctors about methods of treatment.

Several people recalled her sensitivity in easing the
demands on the work-study students she supervised. “Sometimes, I
think she was a little too soft with my own daughter,” quipped the
Rev. Wilfrid Molyneaux, who officiated with George Forshey, Catholic
chaplain.

Besides her husband, survivors include her mother,
Janet; her father, Joseph; and brother, Chad.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation, 50 Colvin Ave., Albany, 12206.