Joan McCarty Obituary

"This too shall pass."
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan "Joni" Arlene McCarty of Loomis, CA. Joan died peacefully at home on June 5, 2025. She was 81 years old.
Joan was born in Oakland, CA on December 13, 1943, the daughter of Don and Evelyn Marshall. She grew up in Emeryville, CA with her older sister, Carole, and younger brother, Ron. She attended Anna Yates elementary school and graduated from Emery High School both in Emeryville. Upon graduation she had the opportunity to live in both Georgia and Germany before returning to Oakland. She became extremely successful and enjoyed her career as an executive secretary for both Kaiser and later Safeway.
It was in Oakland that Joan met and married the love of her life, Michael. Joan and Michael settled in Concord where they started a family before moving to their six-acre dream property in Loomis to raise their two small children, Kelly and Darren.
Joan was a great lover of life and being curious by nature, had many varied interests and hobbies throughout her life. She loved gardening, reading, cooking, traveling, going to the theater and practicing tai-chi. She had quite the creative streak and enjoyed sewing, painting and jewelry making. She was always up for the next adventure.
She also volunteered her time to many causes that were near and dear to her heart and participated in many clubs that kept her intelligent mind active. She loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature and delighted in tending to her beautiful garden, especially her hydrangea and "dinner plate" hibiscus. She was an extremely compassionate and supportive friend who always took the time to listen. Her strong and determined nature led to one of her greatest accomplishments which was going back to college and graduating summa cum laude from Sacramento State at age 50.
More than anything, Joan loved spending time with her family. She treasured her role as a grandmother and her grandchildren filled her with immeasurable joy. She enjoyed many special moments with them and loved making new memories. Countless family celebrations took place in her home, Thanksgiving being one of her favorites to host.
She was a fighter and overcame many health challenges due to her resilience and her healthy lifestyle. She was both independent and spirited, gentle and kind. She will be remembered for her deep sense of integrity and her generous and loving nature. She had a zest and passion for life that was admired by all who were lucky enough to know her. Her legacy will be one of laughter and love, her joyful spirit shining bright. Although she will be deeply missed, she will be dearly remembered in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Michael, her daughter, Kelly (Kent) Bradley of Lincoln, her son, Darren (Rachel) McCarty of Roseville, grandchildren, Kayla, Autumn and Isabella Bradley, and grandchildren, Ella, Harper and Brady McCarty. She is also survived by her sister and dear friend, Carole Averkin.
A family graveside service will be held at the New Auburn Cemetery. In honor of her love of nature, her family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation to your favorite environmental charity of choice be made.
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