Obituary of Joan Alice Gamble (McNurlin)

Joan Alice Gamble (McNurlin)

February 1, 1943 – May 1, 2025

Joan Alice Gamble, a devoted mother, visionary, educator, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, in Anoka, Minnesota. She was born on February 1, 1943, to Leonard and Fern McNurlin, the eldest of four children—a role she embraced with grace, strength, and dedication.

Joan was a lifelong nurturer and a natural leader. Holding a master’s degree in education from St. Thomas University, she devoted more than 50 years to teaching. As head of the Science Department at the schools where she taught, Joan was an inspiration and earned the admiration of not only generations of students, but also colleagues and families alike. Her classroom was a place of warmth, encouragement, and endless potential.

Beyond the classroom, Joan was a passionate organizer and advocate. She was a pioneer who not only forged her own path but influenced countless women to pursue their dreams with courage and confidence. Joan founded and served in numerous roles, including president, treasurer, and fundraising chair for various organizations. Notably, she contributed to the Philolectian and Alpha Rho teacher associations, where she was honored as a Woman of Achievement. Her involvement extended to the Anoka Community Concert Association, the Anoka High School Class of ’61 Committee, and Women on Wheels. Joan also served as Queen Mother in her Red Hat Society chapter, where her love of music and theater inspired a delightful myriad of outings to Broadway musicals and world-class performances. And of course, she established the Roosevelt Junior High Ski Club—which, more than 50 years later, has taken hundreds of children on unforgettable trips to local ski areas, Michigan, Canada, and the Rocky Mountains. Through tireless fundraising and coordination, Joan opened doors to adventure, learning, and experiences that students may not have otherwise had.

Joan will forever be remembered for her warm, radiant smile, which lit up her eyes and brightened the room—she had a special way of bringing people together. Whether it was around a holiday table, at a community event, or through one of the many organizations she helped lead, her unwavering dedication to education, community, and family was a testament to generosity, kindness, and joy. Joan’s family looked to her nurturing, loving presence—a beacon of quiet strength and steady devotion—as a guide to leading with kindness and integrity. Through her children, grandchildren, and friends, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the joy she shared so freely.

She is survived by her adoring children: Jonathan (Nou), Carolyn, and Alyson; her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her sister, Fern (Robert); and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and former students. She now joins her parents; her siblings, Larry and Sandy; and her beloved husband, David, in peace.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Friday, May 9th at First Congressional Church, located at 1923 3rd Ave., Anoka, MN. Stories, music, and memories are welcomed at 11:00 AM, with the service honoring Joan beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Philolectian Scholarship Fund, supporting the Joan Gamble Memorial Scholarship—a tribute to continuing Joan’s lifelong commitment to enabling and empowering women in education. Contributions can be mailed to Guardian Management Solutions, LLC, PO Box 113, South St. Paul, MN 55075