Obituary

Joan M. St. Germain
            “Though she be but little, she is fierce!”  W. Shakespeare

Joan  M. St. Germain, 58, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Monday, May 18, 2020. Born in Rhode Island. Joan received her B.A. in Theatre Arts from Marquette University, her M.F.A. in Theatre Design from The Ohio University at Columbus, and her Master of Make-up Artistry diploma from The Makeup Designory. A lifelong educator, Joan held teaching positions at Cameron University and Texas Tech before coming to Huntington. Joan has been Professor of Theater (Costuming) at Marshall University since 1998, where she taught courses in costuming and make-up, and designed costumes for well over 100 productions.

Her many honors include Marshall University’s Pickens-Queens Excellence in Teaching Award, two New Hampshire Theatre Awards for costuming, and Meritorious Achievement in Costume Design from The Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival.

Joan also shared her talents with regional theatres in West Virginia, South Dakota, and New Hampshire. An active volunteer, she lent her considerable skills as a make-up artist to support such Huntington nonprofits as CONTACT Huntington, Muscular Dystrophy Association, First Stage Children’s Theatre, and Little Victories Animal Shelter.

Joan was dedicated to and incredibly proud of her students and their achievements, generous with her guidance, love, and support. Family was everything to Joan. She was a devoted daughter to her parents, Patricia (Casey) St. Germain and the late George A. St. Germain, and a remarkable sister to Pat, Laura, Jane, and Maggie. She took great joy in being a loving aunt and godmother to her nieces Lizzy and Wren and nephews Simon, Patrick, and Tommy. Though she lived hundreds of miles away, distance would not prevent Joan from being with them for the special events in their lives. Spending ‘just us’ time with each of them was meaningful. 

Her warm hospitality included numerous furry friends. To Joan, there were no strays, only new members of her family, whether they were cats, dogs, or stray students in need of a place to share Thanksgiving. She was an extraordinary pet parent to Buddy, Rusty, Pip, and Phoebe.

Services will be private. Celebrations of Joan’s life will be held in Huntington and Rhode Island, dates to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor and memory of this gifted, giving, hilarious, compassionate, mischievous, loving woman may be given to Marshall University Theatre Arts, St. Mary’s Breast Center in Huntington, or The Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Reger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Joan will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing.