Joan McCann

Joan Barbara McCann of Atlantic Beach, Florida went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.  She was surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren.  The family invites you to a Celebration of Life on April 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the old St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with a reception to follow in the Family Life Center.

She was born Joan Barbara Ryan in Brooklyn, NY to parents Anna and Thomas.  She had a large family, with three sisters and three brothers.  Joan excelled as a student and at age 20 she landed a position at Mutual of Omaha as secretary to the President in their Manhattan offices.

Joan married her high school sweetheart, Thomas McCann, and they settled near family in Brooklyn, where they had three sons.  Time and job opportunities eventually took them to South Florida, where she volunteered and served at their local parish, St Stephen.  Once their boys were raised, Joan and Thomas loved to travel.  They explored much of the US and Canada, as well as Europe and the Caribbean.  They lived in Weston and Parkland, FL, until Thomas passed away in 2004.  Joan then relocated to Atlantic Beach to be near two of her sons and their families.  She was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic parish, where she served as a Eucharistic minister and lector.

Joan’s greatest love was her family.  She devoted her life to her three boys, and later to her eight grandchildren.  She absolutely loved being a Nana, whether it was attending ballgames and recitals, rigging up fishing gear, making pancakes after school, inventing games from the things in her closet, or being a “backup singer” to little performers at family gatherings. She woke up each morning purely to give of herself to others. 

To know Joan was to love her, because she spread sunshine everywhere she went.  She was known for her profound kindness and joy. Everyone from her neighbors to her caregivers were touched by her giving spirit and positive attitude.  She handed out compliments like candy, tipped generously, made sure everyone was comfortable, never complained, and prayed fiercely for those she loved (and she loved everyone!) Upon hearing the news of her passing, those who were lucky enough to know her, from her oldest friend to the gentleman who cut her grass, commented on her goodness.  She personified grace, gentleness, patience, tolerance and benevolence, and most of all joy.

Joan loved music, watching movies, reading her Bible, baking blueberry muffins, the color red, a good cup of coffee, walking the dog (hers or anybody else’s), shopping — especially Publix and the Dollar Store visits, John Grisham books, collecting teapots, a glass of ginger ale, Irish culture, anything Christmas, a good bubble bath, attending mass, and chocolate.

She was famous for her fabulous dance moves and never passed up an opportunity to roll up the rug.  Joan waltzed through heaven’s gates into the arms of her loving husband and was reunited with her parents and four of her siblings and countless other loved ones who went before her.  Her absence leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of her family, and she is missed by her sons Michael, Daniel and Steven, two daughters-in-law Rachael (Michael) and Diana (Steven). Grandchildren Lorin, Daniel, Shannon, Emily, Luke, Mandie, Cade and Shane hold precious memories of their Nana who loved them so.   

Gifts in Joan’s honor can be made to Community Hospice at communityhospice.com.