Joan Frances McGuire Ockel

Joan Frances McGuire Ockel (nee: Hacker), of O’Fallon, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at the age of 73.  Beloved daughter of the late John and Bernadine Hacker; devoted mother of Laura (Joshua Frank) Ockel; dearest sister of Sandi and Charlie Whitmore and Theresa "Teri" L. Hacker; dear aunt of Marcia (T.K.) Schlemm, Chris Whitmore, John (Marcy Hall), Gabby and Simon Whitmore, Michael (Kathryn Kiley) Mobley, Matthew (Carla) Mobley, Peyton Curran, Sabrina & Victoria Mobley.

Joan retired from interior design after more than 20 years creating custom draperies, bedspreads, and various decor accessories for some of the finest homes in Saint Louis.  Her artistic talents were expressed in various hobbies as well, including beadwork and jewelry design, painting and texturing.  Each work of art was an expression of her life-long love of color.  She created beauty as a way of life.

Joan was an avid reader with interests ranging from Roman history to geology to astronomy.  A wealth of information, Joan could contribute a fascinating bit of knowledge for any subject.  Along with these interests, Joan enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking.  Her talents were wide and varied.  She designed window cornices and headboards from raw lumber and fabric, and built and installed them by hand.  She learned mixology from her time tending bar.  Working in kitchens taught her to prepare foods like a chef.  Joan often said that her time as a waitress helped her learn confidence and charisma.  She obtained wisdom from her life experiences, and freely shared the truths she had acquired.

Joan enjoyed travel, and she appreciated the beauty of mountains and natural landscapes.  She often discussed the formation of the Grand Canyon, marveling not just at the size and the beauty of the canyon, but at the eras of time represented in the layers of rock.  Joan was able to relish the splendor of the earth in ways most people never consider.  She was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.