Joan Mary McCarthy
The family of Joan Mary (née Brown) McCarthy wishes to announce that she has returned to her heavenly home on December 15, 2022. While she will be missed by many, she will be missed most as the loving wife of Charles “Charlie” McCarthy; beloved mother of Laura (Michael Jr.) Morris, and Peggy (Martin) Havenar; cherished grandmother of Michael III and Megan Morris, and Colleen Havenar; fond sister of Harry (Mary Kay) Brown Jr.; sister-in-law of Carole (McCarthy) Pandola and Barbara (McCarthy) Cole, and the late Eleanor (McCarthy) Haskins.
Joan was born in Chicago on March 28, 1942, the daughter of the late Harry Sr. and Joan Brown. She was raised in Cicero before moving to LaGrange, Illinois where she was a member of the first graduating class at St. Cletus grade school. She went on to graduate from Lyons Township High School, and Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa where she met her lifelong sweetheart Charlie.
Joan worked for Hartford Insurance company in their Special Accounts department before assuming her true passion in life of raising a family and taking care of her loved ones. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and loved to delight family at holiday gatherings with her famous chocolate drop cookies. She will be remembered by friends and family for the smile on her face, and her nurturing, compassionate and selfless personality.
Visitation 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 5 at St. Cletus Church, LaGrange. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or Paralyzed Veterans would be greatly appreciated.
Service Info: 708-352-6500
My dear, sweet cousin will be forever missed. My heart goes out to Charlie, Laura, Peggy, and the rest of her beautiful family. Joan loved, and was loved, deeply. God rest her soul.
My deepest sympathy to my Uncle Chuck, his children, and all others following the loss of my beloved Aunt Joan.
Oh my sweet cousins…..those loving dimples will be so missed. I’ve asked mommy so many questions about Joan Mary – about her parents – about her younger years……I just thought we had more time. This is a beautiful tribute….her Charlie, daughters, grandchildren, cousins will carry on everything so deeply special to this magical being. 💔🙏🏻
We miss you Aunt Joan. My heartfelt sympathies to all. We miss you.
I have known Joan since I was 14 years old, she was like a sister to me and I loved her and her whole family. She was truly a special lady and will be missed by so many.
Joan was my best friend! She was a wonderful friend, great mother and great advisor!!! We shared so much. Years at white Lake, parties and parades over more than 50 years. She was alway quietly supportive and had a wicked sense of humor too. I loved her like sister and I am heartbroken that she is not he here. I know she will be watching us from Heaven an I hope to see her there someday!!! Love you Joan!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Such a kind and sweet person. She will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to her family. Heaven has a new angel.
Jo Mary was one of the sweetest, kindest individual on this earth. I will miss her sweet smile. God bless you Jo Mary ❤️
My condolences to Peggy, my sweet Colleen, and family on the loss of a beautiful woman! May you all find comfort in knowing that Joan has been reunited with her heavenly Father!!
Joan was precious from birth to the end of life! There wasn’t a more gentle, kind and loving person in this world.
*Joan explained that she preferred to be “Joan”, as there was no longer the possibility that she and her Mom would be mistaken. Unfortunately for her, I have deeply rooted habits (excuse) that meant I continued to add the Mary – but gentle Joan allowed me that habit.
Her sweet disposition was certainly a quality that we all knew and treasured. God gave her a special tender heart that was much bigger than usual. He must have seen that Joan needed rest and comforting and so He brought her home. Charlie, Laura and Peggy will have the warmth of her love from ABOVE.
My cousin Joan and her husband were quite the couple. I remember the day I figured out that I was 12 years younger than my cousin and I realized we were closer than I thought! Joan and Charlie never missed a family party and my now adult children remember her special Jello mousse and Charlie’s sense of humor both of which added to each event. I am sad that such a sweet, kind-hearted woman is no longer with us, but I am confident she is safely in the arms of Jesus resting comfortably and keeping watch on her loved ones here. Sweet peace, Joan Mary as that’s who you will always be to me.