Obituary of Joan McCarthy

January 30, 1924 – Normanton, Yorkshire

April 14, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Joan McCarthy (nee Selwood) passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the age of 99 years.

Joan was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter and special son-in-law Winifride and Trevor Jones; daughter Elizabeth Howard, granddaughters, Amanda Oschipok (Jamie), Christina French (Jeff), and Angela Jones; grandson Gareth Jones (Tea), great-grandchildren, Daniel Jones, Ella French, Paige Jones, Peyton Jones, and Connor French; sisters, Monica Taylor (Kevin), and Rosemary McVeagh; and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Daniel McCarthy in 2002, baby daughter Mary in 1963, and son-in-law Blair Howard in 1997.

Joan was born in Normanton, Yorkshire, and was a proud member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) from 1943 to 1945. She married Danny McCarthy in November of 1947, and they immigrated to Canada in 1967, with their two daughters. Joan got a job at Sears, Chinook, right away and worked there for twenty-one years. She made lots of friends at Sears, quite a few of the friendships lasting for many years. Joan was a great participant in St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church, being a member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and the choir. Joan was vibrant, energetic, kind and a loving person who had many friends and family who loved her. One special friend is Audrey Gabl who visited her faithfully almost every week when Joan was in the care homes.

The family would like to give our thanks to her last care home, Bethany Riverview for all they have done for Joan over the last four years. Joan will be sadly missed by all those who loved and cared for her.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Dr SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Joan’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bethany Care Foundation, #100, 2915 – 26^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2B 2W6 Telephone: (403) 210-4600, email: bcf@bethanycare.com.

In living memory of Joan McCarthy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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