Joan Moffat

Joan Moffat died on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the age of 81 after a long battle with a variety of diseases and disabilities. Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Nelson A. Moffat of Dousman, WI (formerly Marshfield, WI), and their three children: David (Ann, and their two sons Mark and Ryan) of Verona, WI; Kathryn (John, and their daughter Katie and son Matt) of Nashotah, WI; and Christopher of Walnut Creek, CA. She is also survived by her two sisters and their families: Carolyn of Dunwoody, GA and Charlotte (Jim) of Decatur, GA, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Joan was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Grace, and her brother Charles. Born in Woodsfield, Ohio on August 9, 1929, she was valedictorian of her Woodsfield High School graduating class. Joan graduated magna cum laude from Western College for Women, then attended the University of Chicago on scholarship, ultimately receiving a Master of Arts in Music in 1953. She was a nationally certified teacher of music and member of the Music Teachers National Association, for whom she was an Evaluator for piano teachers who wished to become nationally certified. Joan was a career-long member of the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association and served on the WMTA Executive Board for seven years, holding the positions of Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, and Certification Chair. She was frequently sought as a clinician and adjudicator. Joan Moffat taught piano at the University of Wisconsin Center-Marshfield for ten years and gave pedagogy courses for piano teachers through the University's Continuing Education System. She also had a private piano studio for 30 years, teaching many award winning students. Joan enjoyed cooking, entertaining, travel and opera. Her recipes live on in the kitchens of her children (who strive to “make it the way Mom made it”). She was an avid Bridge player and continued playing until very recently. Together, Joan and her husband traveled extensively throughout the world. Joan was a very loving wife, mother, sister and dear friend who was adored by many and will be missed by all. Private services are being held for the family.