Joan Carol Boughner (née Vedder), age 83, passed away on July 10, 2026, following an 18-year battle with multiple health conditions. Born on April 6, 1943, in Marquette, Michigan, Joan was the only child of Dr. Almon Vedder and Olga  (Wright) Vedder, both dedicated educators.

Joan graduated from Graveraet High School in Marquette before attending the University of Michigan for two and a half years. In 1965, she transferred to Eastern Michigan University to pursue a degree in elementary education, earning her Bachelor of Science degree. She began her teaching career with Ypsilanti Public Schools in 1967 as a kindergarten teacher at Estabrook Elementary. After receiving her Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1970, she continued to dedicate herself to education. In 1977, she began teaching second grade at Woodruff Elementary before transferring to Erickson Elementary, where she spent the final 21 years of her 31-year career as a beloved first-grade teacher.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Joan found great fulfillment in mentoring future educators. As a cooperating teacher for Eastern Michigan University, she guided approximately 65 student teachers throughout her career. Her commitment to teacher education earned her membership in the Michigan Association of Teacher Educators (MATE), where she served for five years as the Public School Representative on the organization's Executive Board.

Recognized for her excellence in mentoring, Joan was nominated by MATE as Michigan's candidate for the National Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Clinician in Teacher Education Award. She received the national honor in February 1992 and was recognized at the organization's convention in Orlando, Florida. Several of the student teachers she mentored also went on to receive prestigious awards, and she remained in touch with many of them throughout her retirement. Joan was also an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, for 14 years.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Bruce Boughner, and by her parents. She is survived by two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, three nieces, one nephew, and many extended family members and friends who will remember her kindness, generosity, and unwavering loyalty.

Family and friends meant everything to Joan. She and Bruce enjoyed traveling together and shared a lifelong love of small dogs, welcoming seven beloved companions into their home over the course of their marriage.

Per Joan's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley , the American Cancer Society , or the American Heart Association .