Joan Helen Fernan

Fernan, Joan H. MADISON-Joan Helen Fernan, age 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, with her children by her side. Joan suffered from pulmonary hypertension for more than six years and had fought the debilitating disease through hard work with the help of a large number of dedicated and caring health professionals at Dean and St. Marys. Joan was born on July 28, 1939, in Green Bay. She was the only child of Harrison Ernest Hutton and Evelyn (Lang) Hutton. Joan graduated from Green Bays East High School where art was her passion and moved to Madison. She was married for ten years to Jack Fernan, with whom she had two children, Patrick and Ann Fernan. They lived in both Madison and Monroe. Joan spent a long and happy career as a proud and dedicated state worker. Most of her years were spent with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the Office of Public Affairs and with the Governors Office of Highway Safety. She was well respected in law enforcement and other safety circles for her passion and expertise in occupant protection and other highway safety issues. Joan also taught part time at MATC for more than 20 years. After her retirement, she took up her art work again and won several statewide awards while moving from one painting style to another. She traveled widely with her children, beloved daughter-in-law, Lisa (Bies) Fernan and best friend, Sue Frey, and was a devoted and loving grandmother to Sean Garey and Kylie Ann Fernan. She is survived by her family and many caring and devoted friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents. A time to gather and remember Joan will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Visitation: A time to gather and remember Joan will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010.