WORCESTER - Joan M. McGourty, 69, of South Stowell Street, died Friday, May 23, 2008, at Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She leaves her brother, Charles G. McGourty Jr., USN (Ret.) and his wife, Marjorie, of Virginia Beach, Va.; a grandniece, Jennifer McGourty, whom she raised; five nephews and nieces, Debra Oreto, Charles McGourty, Michael McGourty, Donna Williams and Sharon McGourty; and many grandnephews and grandnieces. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Charles G. and Marion T. (Harding) McGourty. Miss McGourty was devoted to and cared for her mother for many years. She graduated from Commerce High School in 1956 and later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Worcester State College. A teacher for 40 years in Worcester, she taught at Providence Street Junior High School and South High School, retiring in 2001. She was a member of St. Stephen's Church, the Education Association of Worcester, Massachusetts Teachers Association, National Education Association, and was a past treasurer of the Education Association of Worcester. Very active in the concerns of retired teachers, she attended many Education Association events. She enjoyed her home on the Cape, loved photography, and spending time with her family and friends. The funeral is Wednesday, May 28, from O'Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Ave., with a Mass at 11:30 a.m., at St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, May 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy St., Brookline, MA 02446 or the Educational Association of Worcester Scholarship Fund, 397 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.