Joan McKenna Obituary

Joan Chilcott McKenna passed away peacefully at her home in Denver, Colorado on August 14, 2023. She was born in Morristown, New Jersey to James Coe Chilcott and Mona Whitlock on January 26, 1929. She attended the Madeira School, graduating in 1946 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education at Wheelock College in 1951. She moved to Denver in 1955 and took a position at The Kent School teaching 2nd grade.

Joan married Robert McKenna in September 1957. She raised 3 beautiful girls and dedicated herself to them, volunteering, and several organizations around Denver, including The Arthritis Craft Shop, The Women's Exchange, and La Cache.

Joan is survived by her daughters Abbe McKenna and Roo McKenna Duncan, granddaughters Hannah and Maeve Schiweck, and great grandson George Wolfgang Ray. She is proceeded in death by her husband Robert McKenna, daughter Elizabeth (Lisa), and two sisters, Barbara Esten and Diane Carson.

Joan was often referred to as the "salt of the earth", lived her life in that manner, and could always throw in a wry and witty joke when least expected. A celebration of life will be held later in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Class of 1978 Scholars Fund in Memory of Lisa McKenna at The Kent Denver School.