Joan Elizabeth McCarthy's Obituary
Mrs. Joan Elizabeth McCarthy, age 83, passed away Friday evening, October 23, 2009, at home, surrounded by family. Joan was born January 18, 1926, in Copemish, MI to Loren and Genevieve (Allen) Read. On April 23, 1946 she married Sylvan T. McCarthy in Muskegon Heights, and he preceded her in death on August 6,1998. Joan was an Avon Lady for 42 years before her retirement in 2008. She was also a member of Tatra Hall, the Lithuanian Club, and Pulaski Lodge. Joan enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards with friends and family. Joan was an avid sports fan, never missing a Detroit Pistons game. She was also a lifelong camper, an activity she loved to do with her whole family, spending many weekends a year in campgrounds from here to Traverse City. These frequent weekend getaways included many from the extended family, forging a strong bond within the McCarthy clan. Above all, family was the biggest part of Joan’s life. Joan is SURVIVED by her 5 children, Toni (Delbert) Baars of Muskegon, Michelle (Tony) Wroblewski of Muskegon, Sylvia (Glenn) Baird of Grand Rapids, Marianne (Bill) Mikkelsen of Novi, and Chris (Floyd) Zahrt of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren, Lisa Kay (Randy) Snell, A.J. Wroblewski, Jeffery (Sylvano Giroux) Baars, Troy (Kathy) Baars, Andrew Zahrt, William Mikkelsen, Joseph Mikkelsen, Jenna Mikkelsen, Adam Baird, and Hannah Baird; 4 great grandchildren, Anne Gregg, Lauren Wroblewski, Joshua Baars, and Megan Baars; a sister, Glada Blanchette of Muskegon; and many, many nieces , nephews, and friends. In addition to her husband Sylvan, Joan was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Hebert Read and Loren Read Jr.; and 2 sisters, Marguerite Wells, and Vivian McCarthy. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 31, 2009 at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 with Rev. Fr. Andy Thompson presiding. VISITATION will be Friday evening from 6-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice.
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