Barbara Joan McCarthy

McCARTHY, Barbara Joan…

On the date of her choosing Wednesday, May 16, 2018 Barbara Joan McCarthy (nee Reid) in her 86^th year has earned her wings and gone to join Gods heavenly choir of angels. Joan grew up in Cornwall, ON and moved to London, ON after her marriage to Vincent McCarthy on September 26, 1959. It was here that they raised their family and where she volunteered extendedly into her community. She has been a member of a church choir since she was seven years old, first at the Church of the Good Shephard, Cornwall and then at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s Memorial Church when she arrived into London.  As a permanent fixture in the choir she occasionally was called upon to sing a solo but always recognizable by her beautiful soprano voice. As a volunteer at St. Stephen’s Church Joan was involved in various activities such as: Ferny Brown Group, Ladies Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary, Ways and Means, Alter Guild and Welcome Committee, a long-time member of the singing group Joyful Noise. Joan has many years of volunteer service to the community of London.  As a parent volunteer at Nicholas Wilson Public School, for many years as a Block Parent providing a safe haven in her community, as a volunteer with Scouts Canada for 20 years including leading as an Akela with the 52^nd Cub Pack. Parkwood Hospital was a constant source of joy for Joan as she worked tirelessly in several capacities including volunteering in the Parkwood store or in the Veteran’s cafe, singing karaoke with the veterans, or serving on the executive board helping to raise money for Parkwood.  She was well known for wearing headbands and her bright and cheery smile greeted all with whom she came in contact. At home along with Vince they raised their children.  She knit hundreds of sweaters, mittens, baby cloths and blankets and sewed many outfits.  She baked thousands of cookies and celebrated all holidays with family dinners.  Everyone was welcomed into their home and to the dinner table. Love was always in abundance.

Her life is a life well lived.

Her family invites you to join and celebrate with them Joan’s life and her love. Joan is predeceased by her parents Sarah Annie (Lloyd) and John Ferguson Reid. Her brother and his wife David Lloyd and Suzanne Reid. Sister-in-law Margaret and her husband Henry Bond, sister-in-law Edna McCarthy and nephew Donald McCarthy. She leaves to continue her legacy her loving husband of 58 years, Vincent Roland McCarthy. Her children Shelley (Neil), John, Pam (Sean), and Mary Jane. Her brother- in-law Fredrick (Ted) McCarthy. Her nieces and nephews Greg, Jedidiah, James, Andrew, Bill (Heather) Deborah (Chester), David (Elenor). Her grandchildren Bridget (Mike), Casey (Michelle), Lacey(Chris), Jessie, Aaron (Lisa), Amy, Ainsley(Mike), Adam (Shannon), Ashley, Erica, Kristen, Shanacee. Her great grandchildren Kason, Nicholas, Declan, Blaine, Mason, Charlotte, William, Sierra, Noah, Lorenzo, Trinity, Dezirae, Isaiah, Knox, Locklyn, Londyn, baby boy Harris/LeClair due any day now. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, May 18,2018 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Head bands and brightly coloured clothing are encouraged to be worn and welcomed. The Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 19,2018 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity St Stephen’s Memorial Church, 727 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 1A9 to which all are welcome. Please choose any colour but black to wear as requested by Joan. Procession to follow immediately after funeral to Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Holy Trinity St Stephen’s Memorial Fund. Joan and her family wish to thank Dr James McLean and his team for his care and easing her into God’s family and her heavenly life. We also thank all of her friends and family who came to visit Joan over her last weeks and share over a dilly bar your memories, laughter and love. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com