Joanne Sullivan Murtagh

Joanne Sullivan Murtagh of Toledo, Ohio died peacefully in her home on September 8, 2017, surrounded by her children. Joanne was born December 14, 1926 to Fanny Barry Sullivan and Daniel Thomas Sullivan. She was born at her home on Kenilworth Avenue, which was quite a surprise to her three teenage sisters (Grace, Alice, and Fanny) who did not know that their mother was pregnant. The stylish and fun-loving “Sullivan Sisters” remained close friends for their entire lives. A lifelong Toledo resident, Joanne graduated from Cathedral Catholic Grade School (now known as Rosary Cathedral) in 1940 and St. Ursula Academy in 1944. She maintained many of her grade school and high school friendships throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Toledo with an education degree and a major in business in 1948. During her time at UT, Joanne was known for her leadership and service throughout the university and the community. She served as president of both the Tri-Delta Sorority and the Pan-Hellenic Council, which consisted of representatives from each of the ten sororities on campus. Because of the enormous responsibility involved, Joanne was the last person to be president of both groups at the same time. She also served as Vice President of the Student Council, President of the Newman Club, and Business Manager of The Collegiate newspaper. During her senior year, she was inducted into “Peppers” (later called Mortar Board) and received a National Academic and Leadership Award. She was also one of three to receive the Leadership Award at the university’s graduation for her class. In addition to her leadership, Joanne was socially active and known as a respected and loyal friend to many. She was on the University of Toledo Homecoming Court in 1947, the UT May Crowning Court, and was the University of Notre Dame Sophomore Cotillion queen in 1946. Eleven different friends asked Joanne to be a bridesmaid in their weddings and several asked her to serve as the maid of honor. In the community, Joanne was an involved leader in the Junior League, chairing many committees. She also served as Chairman of the Hospitality Committee for the Inverness US Open. She married her high school sweetheart, William Murtagh, and she often said that their meeting at the age of 14 was “love at first sight.” She wooed him by knitting him argyle socks and sweaters, writing him poetry, and patiently waiting for him to finish working at his family’s grocery store in the evenings. She appreciated his steadfast devotion, his integrity, his work ethic, and his outgoing, friendly demeanor. They were married for 62 years. Joanne was a mother to four children. She channeled her leadership skills and emotional strength into their development, helping foster their gifts and values, from education to athletics to community service. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue lives full of kindness, hard work, and faith. In her large family and social circle, Joanne was the glue. She was known for preparing large homemade dinners for her husband, children, and sisters; and friends were always welcome. She attended every Notre Dame football game while her children were students and prepared legendary tailgates for all of their friends. She adored and was adored by her twelve grandchildren and fostered individual relationships with each of them. Some of her last words were, “Please make sure that this family stays together.” In her free time, Joanne focused her sharp mind on Bridge. She was on her way to earning the title of Life Master, but gave up the game to care for her husband when he became ill. She always enjoyed playing with her family and friends and teaching the game to her grandchildren. Joanne was a long-time member of the Inverness Club, the Toledo Club, and the Royal Poinciana Club in Naples, Florida. A devoted Catholic, Joanne had an unmatched capacity to let faith guide her life. She attended daily mass and maintained a daily rosary devotion. Friends and family often felt the blessings that came with being on her “prayer list.” Joanne is survived by her children, Dr. William (Barb) Murtagh, Dr. Daniel (Stephanie) Murtagh, Sr., Molly (Geoffrey) Meyers, Dr. Jennifer Murtagh (Richard Brunner); her grandchildren, Sean (Rocio), Meagan, and Colin Murtagh, Dr. Daniel Jr. and Patrick (Brenna) Murtagh, Amy (Matthew) Krehbiel and Dr. Geoffrey Jr., Thomas, and Jack Meyers, William, Robert, and James Brunner; and her great-grandchildren, Grace and James Krehbiel, and Anna Murtagh. She was preceded in death by her husband, William O. Murtagh; her parents, Fanny and Daniel Sullivan; her sisters, Grace Brandhuber, Alice Sprenger, and Fanny Sullivan; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Janet Murtagh, Eileen and George Korhumel, Alma and James Kenney, Charles Brandhuber, Ray Martin, and George Sprenger. The Murtagh family would like to express its deepest appreciation to Joanne’s many caregivers for their kindness and compassion, especially Theresa, Kim, Rachel, Lou, Tina, Monica, and Luda. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue (west of Corey Road). A funeral mass will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio 43607. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to Gesu Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.