Joan Carver Obituary

Still miss your humor and wish there were more people like you in our lives today, especially today. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Joan!

Still remembered and adored.

Nancy Carver

So many years after you passed, I read there's a test for early detection of ovarian cancer and sure wish that was available then. Joan was one of the funniest people I ever knew and loved being at SJA with her. Still think of you and hope you are well in heaven!

We knew Joan when we were kids and she was as dry and as entertaining then as she appeared to be in adult life. We want to know, did Joan really burn down the tree house? Joan, my sister and possibly some others wrote a Laugh-in script for my 7th grade class to present for the 8th grade send off but Tommy Gilmore tripped over the flag in practice and it was never to be. I think I still have it...she was hysterical! Best wishes to those who loved her.

To Norma and All of Joan's Family,
All of us on earth who knew Joan are feeling a loss that is hard to comprehend, but, Heaven is a richer place now that Joan has joined the choirs of angels ... I have a feeling that St. Francis will be one of her best friends in Heaven since she cared deeply and she loved genuinely. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you begin your healing process.

Joan was a big part of our lives when I lived close by in Chicago in 1989, and again when she generously opened her house to my husband while he worked downtown in 1990. Her dry humor and very genuine kindness, not to mention her natural beauty is what I remember best. She was a great listener, and although she had strong opinions, was refreshingly unjudgmental. She was wise beyond her years and enjoyed life to the fullest. Our sincerest condolences, Norma.
Heidi & Shaun

Norma, I was saddened to hear of your loss. While I only met Joan briefly, I could tell she was a joy in your life and you guys truly loved each other.

I pray that you will feel God's presence in your life to help you get through this time. And may the memories of Joan comfort you.

We were so fortunate to meet Joan in Los Barriles, BCS, Mexico living and working on her and Normas's dream. She showed us that a home was only such if it was built with love and shared with those you love, to cherish your life partner, and to care for all of God's creatures. We feel so blessed for the opportunity to share even such a short acquaintanceship with someone so special. She was living life with joy and clearly gave joy to others. Thank you Joan and thank you Norma and her family for sharing her with us as we've grown to be better people for it. We are so saddened by the loss.
Geri Lalley, Los Barriles, BCS Mexico

Mike and Ann,

We didn't know Joan well but she will stay in our memories as the very nice person who provided much relief when she opened up her air conditioned home (and floor) to a bunch of strangers after a Cardinals-Cubs baseball game. It was one of the hottest days ever in Chicago and after a long, hot day at the game we walked to Joan's condo. There were probably 10 of us. We went there unannounced and she was so friendly and nice. Thanks Joan!! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Norma, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

I attended St Joseph Academy High School with Joan. She was one of the funniest people that I have ever met. She always had an entertaining story, a clever remark, or a big smile on her face. During those long ago high school years--when you were asked "What did you do this weekend?" If your response was that Joan was involved in your weekend then everyone knew that you had a great time.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who held her dear and loved her during this difficult time of loss.

She was truly a great gal!

May you have purple wings...

Yesterday during breakfast, I said it was a sad day because we had to say goodbye to Titi Joan (as we called her, titi is a nickname for the Spanish word for aunt, tia). Dorothy (2 years) said, "Mom, I will call Titi Joan on the phone so that Titi Norma can talk to her." Lulu (5 years) quickly replied, "Titi Joan went to heaven and you can't call heaven, you have to fly there." Dorothy then replied, "I can fly there and bring Titi Joan back, I have purple wings."

While we can't bring Joan back in body, we keep her alive in spirit through our thoughts and memories. For the family and friends of Joan, especially our Titi Norma, may you have purple wings that carry the memories of Joan forever with you.

With much love, prayers, and warm thoughts,

Edwin, Juana, Lulu, and Dorothy

Joan, you will be missed deeply by your baja family. we feel so lucky to have met you and to the great baja stories we will always hold close to our hearts. I have attached a few pictures of Joan in Baja building her Casa.

The first time I first met Joan was at IBM in the late 80's and worked with her for a very short time. The next time I met Joan was years later through Norma Reyes who was my former resident assistant in college and my sister Kathy's dear friend. What a small world! Joan was a wise and comedic soul who could bring levity and / or logic to any situation. Norma, I pray you find solace in knowing how much Joan was loved and appreciated, and that so many friends are holding you close in their hearts during this difficult time...Love, Susan

Norma my love and prayers are with you and Joan's family. Just know that now you have a beautiful Angel watching over you. God bless you and I love you very much. Iris Martinez

Joan was an extraordinary person -- smart, funny, honest, genuine. I enjoyed working with her, partying with her, and being her friend when we worked together at IBM. The world will be a little dimmer without her. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family and loved ones.

Joan You will be missed greatly. Your warmth and spirit has touched many lives.

Joan loved dogs, she truly loooooved dogs. Besides her three, Joan also fostered quite a few down-and-out shepherds while they waited for their permanent homes. And being Joan, she gave these dogs the most creative names. There was Roy, there was Siegfried and there was Happy among others. When we realized that Happy was going to be adopted by the Jolly family thus becoming Happy Jolly....well, we laughed and laughed until our ribs ached. Rest now, Joan, your life was much too short, but you did so much while you were here.

Please enjoy a snapshot into Joan's brief life.

Joan was funny, intelligent and a generous friend. Although we didn't see that much of each other over the years it didn't take long to catch up. Her strength and fierce independence was always an inspiration to me.

We didn't know Joan very long, but she and Norma welcomed us into their lives in the most generous way. Joan's sharp intelligence and quick wit were immediately evident upon meeting her. She leaves behind many people who loved and respected her, and that is a great testament to a life well lived.

Joan, we are left with only the fondest of memories of our times together at IBM. You touched our lives in so many positive ways and left us too soon.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones.

Imagine my surprise (shock) when I heard that Joan Carver passed away. I was unaware she was even ill but I considered her a great colleague when she worked at IBM and when we worked at Entex Information Services together. What a loss -- I will be unable to attend the services since I'm in NYC but please accept our sympathy. Ginna Zierk (and Mike, Katie & Shannon Zierk)

Joan will be missed by so many, and I am sure equally by her many many friends, because she gave so fully of herself to all of us. My prayers are with her family, with Norma and with all of us who are greiving this profound loss in our lives.

Joan was many things: a strong woman, hard working, independent, outspoken, competitive, tenacious, honest, a straight shooter, and a hoot. She served IBM well, but also had fun along the way. That's in the good ole days when you could work and have fun. She will be well remembered and sorely missed.

Joan-

You always matched humor and sharp wit to a spirit of generosity and welcome. Over our decades of friendship you shared it all. My family will miss you, and I will try to carry on that bright torch you always led with.

Love

Jimmy

Of course, I cannot reflect on my memories of Joan without recalling her wit. And I know she would have a very astute comment on her own untimely death. Perhaps something similar to Winston Churchill who said: "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

My thoughts & prayers go out to Norma & Joan's family. She was quite a lady and will be missed by all of us who were lucky to have known her.

Joan, we just spoke before the holidays, and laughed about the “chippers” building the steps in your new home. I will truly miss not getting a ride in your 83 Landcruiser. As you ended your last email “peace. jc”
Rest now my friend.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Carver. It was an honor to participate in her care. Her courage and strength will remain forever in our hearts.
The Women's Pelvic Center
Drs. Shashoua & Beck and staff
Ana, Deborah, Hope, Luz, Joanna, Maggie and Tasha.

I have never met anyone like Joan! She was so compassionate, fearless, and a genuine friend. We met while building in Baja and I feel extremely fortunate to have spent high quality time with her. I will miss her immenensely.
My thoughts are with you, Norma, Joan's family and friends.

My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Joan was a wonderful person to work with at IBM. She not only brought humor to the workplace but extraordinary talents in both the technical and marketing sides of the business. My time working with Joan will always be thought of as one of the best.

May your memories of Joan provide you comfort now and in the future.

It was always fun working with Joan. She had a great sense of humor and brighten many a dreary workday.
Rest in peace.

Joan will be in my memories of IBM. She was a good person. My prayers are with her and those she left behind.

Joan, I will always remember our first meeting at a IBM meeting. You were grilling me very hard and I was so afraid. I learned later through our continued work together just how much of a good person you were.

I will always be thankful and feel blessed to had get to known you not always as a coworker but as a friend.

Randy Michael

Joan, may peace be always with you as you make the journey to a better place. Thank you for the fun you brought to the workplace and the happy memories generated, working together, so many years ago.

Our thoughts are with you Norma and all of Joan's Family,
We are some of Joan's "Baja Friends" and she will be GREATLY MISSED in her "other home" Los Barriles, Baja Mexico.
Heike

My deepest condolences in this time of grief. My prayers and heart are with you because I also have lost family memebers. May you find strength and hope in your memories of the good things Joan added to your life. Sincerely, Lorraine Render, Cable 25

I would like to offer my condolences to Norma and other members of Joan's family on her untimely death. I so enjoyed getting to know Joan via Roscoe Village activities and, recently, the Waguespack campaign.

Best,

Howard

Our hearts go out to Joan's friends and family. We will all miss her.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I have many great memories of working with Joan at IBM. She gave me a welcome gift when I joined the team in 1988. It was a record album by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. I am listening to it now as I write this note. She was a good person with a great big heart and I feel blessed to have known her. Sincerely, Dan Wills

You are in my thoughts and prayer.
Norma I will always cherish Joan in my heart. she was so amazing to me with her perky self. Love your Aunt.

Norma my thoughts have always been with you, but in this time of grief my prayers are with you also. Love your aunt Flora