Joan Scanlan, a beloved history teacher and Quogue resident, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on January 2, 1952, to the late Ruth and Richard Scanlan of Brookhaven, New York, Joan's passion for history and debate was a defining part of her life.

For 30 years, Joan was a dedicated history teacher at Bellport High School, where she shared her love of the past with countless students. A longtime resident of Quogue, Joan's commitment to her community extended beyond the classroom. She was a passionate volunteer for the Quogue Historical Society and was known for her love of politics, a subject she was always ready to debate with friends. She found joy in long walks and the companionship of dogs.

She is survived by her dog, Dickens, her sister, Barbara Armstrong of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; her niece, Julie Lanham, and her husband, Desmond, of Augusta, Georgia; her nephew, Richard Armstrong, and his wife, Rachel, of Wake Forest, North Carolina; and her nephew, James Armstrong, and his wife, Megan, of Columbia, South Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Richard Scanlan, her brother Richard Scanlan Jr, and her brother-in-law, James Armstrong. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Southampton Animal Shelter, where Joan adopted her beloved Dickens.

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