Joan Born McQuillen

Personal:

I live in Cape Town, South Africa. I have 8 grandchildren. I am retired but have been doing ministry work in different nations for 20 years.

I authored and published a book (Ruth:A Moabite Prophetess) and preached in a sports arena in Kyiv Ukraine with 25,000 people present. Also produced a cd of an African choir.

I ran/walked a 5kg race in Africa in 43 minutes (excellent for an old lady!)

I have traveled to 42 different nations, so it’s a bit difficult to spot the favorite one, but probably Tahiti where we went on our honeymoon.

Famous people I have met – Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, T.D. Jakes, Billy Graham, and Pat Robertson.

I don’t remember the alma mater but I remember a few cheers.

I was a medical volunteer in Huntington, New York for 13 years as an EMT.

Happiness – Having Jesus as my Lord and Savior is pure joy.

Thinking back on Naperville, I remember fun and great friendships, sleep-aways at the houses of our friends, and our group-the “Halo’s”-Gladys, Janet, Moni, Karen, Joan, and Sharon.

My hidden talent is teaching and preaching. My autobiography would be “Been There, Done That.” I didn’t turn out like either parent.

Psalm 20:4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose…May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Memories:

Memory of Naperville – small town atmosphere – knowing everyone and feeling the security and safety of that knowledge.

I’d revisit Ozzie’s pharmacy/drug store for after school treats. Dick Smith was a memorable teacher. If I could relive one hour of high school, it would be the senior class play.

The cool cars were those of Jim Ray, Rodney Hiltz, Bob Witta, and Bob Chaplin (loved driving that car with Betty).

Fashion statement – Baby doll pj’s and felt/poodle full skirts – and middy blouses when we were younger. Favorite places to eat were the A & W root beer on Ogden Avenue and the Prince Castle.

On Sundays we went to St. Peter & Paul mass and then usually went to visit relatives in other towns.

Never ate in the cafeteria. Favorite music? Platters…Temptations…Elvis.

My graduation memory is the senior ditch day at the Indiana dunes.

Eccentric characters were Peter Wahl and his Saturday night parties and Andy at the popcorn stand.

I worked for British Airways (BOAC) as a ticket agent in Chicago; before that I worked at the Tasty Bakery.

TV favorites were “American Bandstand” and “Howdy Doody.” Memorable ads were the road sign ads for Burma Shave and “speedy Alka-Seltzer.” I admired James Dean, Chuck Berry and Fidel Castro.

A few scary things – going underground in the mushroom plant (old brewery) off Washington Street; Bill and Charley Grass, our hermit neighbors; and the Naper cemetery at night.

Special memories include the Friday night dances at the YMCA, prom dances, and working on Homecoming floats.

In elementary school, I remember the nuns (the knuckle breakers) and the priests and especially Sister Dennis who we drove nuts literally – after having our class for two years straight-and the big deal of our first communion and confirmation with the Bishop coming to town.

Summer memories include going to Naper Centennial pool. Working at Tasty Bakery, Thursday night Naper Band in the park, and detassling corn.

Jay McQuillen and I (graduate of 1958) married in 1963 and have recently celebrated our 46 years together. We have four children : Jared, Joel, Justine and Jessica – with 8 grandchildren. We have lived in various states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and New York – and overseas in Holland, Ukraine, and now for the past 11 years in Cape Town, South Africa.

When we moved to NY we started our own business – PTL Air Freight at Kennedy Airport. We operated that business for 25 years along with a restaurant in New York City – Cafe Puchine, at 57th and 3rd.

 

We have ministered in various nations with our church and also leading many short term missions into various nations until 1995 when we moved to Virginia with CBN, then on to Texas with Antioch Churches and Missions. Through a series of circumstances we sold our home in Texas and went into full time ministry in Africa.

We have been preaching, teaching on various subjects in over 55 different churches in South Africa, Kenya, Swaziland, Tanzania, etc. and have been richly blessed in our endeavors, especially our growing feeding program in Mannenberg with 100 children being fed each day before school.

We would like to extend an invitation to our classmates who desire to travel to South Africa to come and visit us.