Joan Houston Sturgis' Obituary
Joan Houston Sturgis of Estero, FL passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 with loving family by her side. She will be remembered for her kindness, generous spirit, and unstoppable energy. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.She was born April 14, 1931 in Norwich, CT to Estelle and John Houston. She attended Norwich Free Academy, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut, and graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. She volunteered for numerous causes for those in need. She was married to Daniel C. McKay, Jr. for 21 years with whom she had 4 children: Carey McKay Eule of Arlington VA; Patty McKay Boggs of Gaithersburg, MD; Daniel C. McKay III of Pittsburgh, PA; and Nancy McKay Bogucki of Clinton, CT.In 1978 she married Harlan M. Sturgis, with whom she had 4 step-children: Carolyn Hall of Venice, FL; Roberta Terkowitz of Washington D.C.; Gary Sturgis of Essex, VT; and Glenn Sturgis of Middlesex, VT. In addition to their worldly travels, Joan and Harlan owned and ran The Red House Bed & Breakfast in East Lyme, CT for over 10 years.She is survived by 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A Connecticut memorial service is being held at 2pm, Saturday, April 14th, 2018 at the Niantic Community Church in Niantic, CT. A Florida memorial service was held at Lamb of God Church in January. Donations may be made in her name to Lamb of God Church/Good Samaritan Ministries, c/o Lamb of God Church 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967. These ministries support the homeless and abused women and children of Southwest Florida.
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