Wava Joan Furlong

Wava Joan Furlong, 81, passed away peacefully at 9:00 p.m. on June 28, 2026, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Born on August 14, 1944, in Tabor, Iowa, Wava was the daughter of the late Forest “Harold” Tockett and Gertrude Ellen (Bird) Tockett. On July 10, 1971, she married the love of her life, James Dewey Furlong, who survives her.

A lifelong lover of books, Wava’s passion for reading began in childhood and grew into a meaningful career. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryville in Missouri before receiving her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She devoted 24 years to serving the community as a children’s librarian at the Mishawaka-Penn Public Library, where she inspired countless young readers through her kindness, enthusiasm, and love of literature.

In addition to reading, Wava enjoyed collecting Little Red Riding Hood memorabilia, a hobby that reflected her appreciation for classic stories and folklore. In her younger years, she also enjoyed bowling and treasured the friendships she made along the way. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, intelligence, love of learning, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Wava is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 55 years, James D. Furlong; her sons: Michael (Renee) Furlong of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Nathan Furlong of Livonia, Michigan; her cherished grandchildren: Cael, Titus, Amber, and Chase Furlong; her brother, Bill (Judy) Tockett of Sugar Grove, Illinois; her brother-in-law, Michael Joseph (Marilyn) Furlong of Maryville, MO; and her sister-in-law, Patricia Stanlie of Ironton, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Forest “Harold” Tockett and Gertrude Ellen (Bird) Tockett.

Wava leaves behind a legacy of compassion, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to fostering a love of reading in others. Her warmth, wisdom, and quiet generosity will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former colleagues, and the many children whose lives she enriched through books.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To share memories or to send condolences to the family log on to: www.mcgannhay.com.