Mrs. Joan Murphy Hungerford, 86, of Rochester was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away in the early morning of September 14, 2014 at Life Care Center of Rochester. On January 28, 1928, Joan was born in Mecca to John and Mae McKeown Murphy. Growing up she shared her childhood with her twin brother Joe and a sister Dorothy. In May of 1946 she graduated with her class from Mecca High School. In pursuit of her dream to become a business teacher, Joan graduated with her bachelors degree in secondary education from Indiana State University. In 1961 she earned her masters degree in business from Indiana University. Following graduation, Mrs. Hungerford began her 33 year teaching career at Blackhawk High School in Terre Haute. She and Max moved to McLean, IL for four years where she taught business at McLean H.S. and sponsored the yearbook and school newspaper. The Hungerford family arrived in Rochester in 1956, Joan was a stay at home Mom with daughter Karen until 1958 when she resumed her teaching career, at Rochester High School. A vibrant teacher, building her students primary business foundation, teaching shorthand, typing, accounting and general business Mrs. Hungerford was revered by her students and colleagues alike. A radiant personality and true lady, Mrs. Hungerford was a timeless role model exhibiting class, style and grace. Always well put together, meticulous grooming and usually attired in her stylish suits, Mrs. Hungerford greeted her classes with a positive attitude and a twinkle in her eyes. During many of her years at RHS she served as sponsor of the Junior class, Zebra Tales, yearbook and all business activities. Her passion for teaching and her students was evident as she garnered many life long relationships, making a difference in their lives while staying in touch with many through the years. Joan and Max Lee Hungerford were married on December 23, 1950 at the United Methodist Church of Clinton. Together they shared 63 1/2 years of life's adventures. From their union came a beautiful daughter Karen. Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of two grandsons and four great-grandchildren. Max and Joan enjoyed traveling. Some favorite destinations are Hawaii, cruising to Alaska and around the Caribbean. They shared adventures to Europe, Halifax and the Outer Banks. Many cherished memories were made during spring break and following their retirement wintering at Sarasota's Siesta Key and Destin where the annually met college classmates and colleagues. To relax Joan stayed trim with walking the Zeller's Woods oval. In the winter it was time to walk the beaches and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine. Each summer Max and Joan would join Karen and Tully and their family to share adventures of travel exploring various destinations. The matriarch of the Hungerford family, Grandma Joan was proud to oversee four generations. She especially enjoyed the stages of infancy snuggling and doting over her grandsons. Max and Joan enjoyed traveling to Huntingburg to watch their grandsons in their sporting events. During Reid's DePauw years it was Grandpa and Grandma Hungerford coming to Greencastle for visits. She also was fond of canines, especially their family Boston Terrier of 14 years named Peppy during Karen's childhood. Left to cherish Joan's memory are her husband Max; a daughter Karen Sakel and husband Tully of Huntingburg; 2 grandsons: Kirk Sakel and wife Jennifer of Evansville, Reid Sakel and wife Bianca of Huntingburg; 4 great grandchildren; and many friends, students and colleagues she met during life's journey. Preceding Joan in death are her parents, her twin brother Joe W. Murphy, a sister Dorothy Murphy; and her loyal canine companion Peppy the Boston Terrier. Pastor Maurice Grindle officiating. The Rochester Beta Associates of the Tri-Kappa Sorority will conduct a memorial service at 7:45 p.m. Friday. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.