Joan MacFarlane

Joan MacFarlane passed away March 22, 2015, at Park Meadows Independent Living in Overland Park, Kan. She leaves behind three sons, Dr. J. Alan (Tina) MacFarlane, Dr. Larry (Peggy) MacFarlane, and Dr. Douglas (Mona) MacFarlane, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a beloved sister Jeannette Renbarger of Marion, Ind. Her husband, Dr. John O'Donnell MacFarlane, her son, Mark David MacFarlane, sister, Martha Walker, brother, David Nelson and her parents, Glem and Lulu Nelson, precede Joan in death. Born and raised in Marion, Ind., she received her bachelor's degree in home economics from Purdue University. In 1943 Joan married John O'Donnell MacFarlane, founder of the measles vaccine while working at Eli Lily in Indianapolis. Always active in her community, she was a passionate member of The Leawood United Methodist Church. Joan was an inspiration, from her love of gardening and piano music, to her unyielding optimism. For those of us she touched, we are forever blessed. Services will be Saturday, March 28, 2015, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Overland Park, Kan. Graveside services for the family will begin at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m. for family and friends, onsite. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Mark D. MacFarlane Scholarship Endowment. Please specify the Mark D. MacFarlane Scholarship Endowment on the memo line of checks or on the website, http://dukeforward.duke.edu if making an online gift. Mailed-in gifts may be sent to, Alumni and Development Records, Duke University, Box Number 90581, Durham, NC 27708.

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