Joan Lucy (Shukay) Zabee

Joan Lucy (Shukay) Zabee, age 91, passed away peacefully Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, MN, where she resided for several years.

Joan was born July 31, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois to Raymond and Alvina (Marshal) Shukay. She was the oldest of three children. Early in life, she moved to St. Paul, MN and resided in the neighborhood which is known as Frogtown. She attended Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul and graduated as class valedictorian. Her talents were not only outstanding in the field of education but extended to her mastery of the piano. Upon graduating from high school, Joan went on to attend St. Catherine University in St. Paul on a full piano scholarship. She was called on frequently for piano and organ work throughout high school, college, and later years. In addition, she worked at the St. Paul Public Library while she pursued her education – a true superwoman.

After college, Joan and her future husband, George, met while teaching and wound up in Elk River, MN where they raised a family and resided for the rest of their days. Joan then received her master’s degree from St. Cloud State University while teaching and worked with learning disabled students for most of her career. Her disciplined, yet caring approach led to the basic successes of many individuals. Joan could be very stoic and all business, but at the end of the day, she had the biggest heart and cared deeply for everyone. Her family was of the utmost importance to her, as she enjoyed communications with relatives, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joan had many hobbies, and greatly enjoyed her domestic and international travels over the years as well as her huge vegetable garden with bumper crops of tomatoes, zucchini, and squash, which was one of her biggest joys. Her fortitude and determination helped keep cancer at bay, as well as many other serious health challenges she dealt with over her long life.

Joan is survived by her children, Mark (Julie), Paul, Lee Ann (Brian); grandchildren, Andrew (Kasey), Madeline, Sophie (Jake), and Corey (Karlie); and six great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George; son, Thomas; parents, Ray and Alvina; brother, Tom; and sister, Sue.

A special thank you to the staff of Guardian Angels and Triniti Hospice of Elk River for all the love, laughs, and care that you provided for Joan over the years. You were all her extended family!

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a prayer service and time of sharing at 7:00 PM, at Dare’s Funeral Home (Elk River). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at the Church of Saint Andrew (Elk River), followed by burial at St. Andrew’s Cemetery and a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Guardian Angels Care Center, 400 Evans Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330.

Serving the family is Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

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