Joan Horan Obituary

McGarey, Joan
84, of Scottsdale passed away on 3-21-2015. "The BEST storyteller." "The ultimate romantic." "What a woman!" "The greatest sense of humor." "Pure joy and inspiration." "A life force that couldn't be matched." "The McGarey matriarch." These are some of the comments people will remember Joan Bliss McGarey by, who was a courageous soul with an adventurous heart. Joan Gormly Bliss was born on May 27th, 1930 in New York City to Gertrude Gormly Bliss and Robert Parker Bliss, Jr. Joan was educated at Convent of the Sacred Heart of Greenwich, CT and the Ursuline Academy of New Rochelle, NY. On January 26, 1952, Joan wed Charles O'Brien McGarey, with whom she raised 7 children: Patty Bigelow, O'Brien, Michael (deceased 12-13-03), Robbie, Peter, Denver and Christopher McGarey, in Larchmont and West-hampton, NY. In 1972, Joan headed west to Arizona with her boys, where she became a real estate agent in Scottsdale and Phoenix. For nearly 40 years Joan was a leader and mentor to many while serving several generations of her friends and clients. Beside being an amazing story-teller, Joan loved her friends and family, was a spirited Catholic and was very fond of bridge. No matter the circumstances she faced, she could always be counted on to bring laughter and joy to those around her. Joan will be greatly missed by her children, 30 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, Sacred Heart Alumni and countless friends. A service in Joan's memory will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (7655 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ) on Thursday, April 9th at 1:30PM. Donations can be made in Joan's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Convent of the Sacred Heart of Greenwich, CT.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 29, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Horan

11 Entries

Barbara Dunlap

April 9, 2015

The Dunlaps are heartsick to have missed Joan's final party. How much we would have loved to be with her one more time and be regaled by her stories and laughter. Joan was full of wisdom and guided us through many houses, sales, and life situations. We are so sorry to have Joan gone before we could tell her again how much she has meant to us.
Love to all of the McGareys and great sympathy in the loss of a truly great person,
Barbara and Charlie Dunlap

Meaghan O'Connell Shawcross

April 9, 2015

Kindly Aunt Joan was a force of nature, beloved by everyone who was lucky enought to know her. Her energy and determination were boundless and her ability to bring light and laughter into any room was cherished by all. Light and love to our brothers of a different mother - you and KAJ will always be in our hearts.

jan olson (hovan)

April 7, 2015

I remember when I first met joanie...way back in the 70's. I was going to school up in flagstaff and I would come down to Scottsdale to visit my dad and terri. she would stop by the house to say hello and have a glass of wine. and oh my gosh she would have all four of us laughing so hard in seconds with her stories. it was so special for me to have met her that everytime I went to Scottsdale I hoped that she would stop by again to say hello. sometimes she would bring all her boys. that's were I met them. having her in my life was so special!! and when I got married my husband met her and as I fell in love with her also. oh joanie you will be so very missed but always and forever loved by us. love you!!

Kerry O'Connell

April 5, 2015

To Kindly Aunt Joan Godspeed to heaven, and thank you for never ratting me out when I was a teenaged troublemaker.

Kevin O'Connell

April 3, 2015

Kindly Aunt Joan (as my family has called her for 40-plus years) was an integral part of my childhood and I will miss her dearly. Our families have run on parallel lines for all those years and Joan was my second Mother, as I'm sure she was to many people. She brought life, light, sun and most of all side-splitting laughter into my days when I needed them the most. God Bless you KAJ!

Mike Finkelstein

April 3, 2015

Sending all you McGarey's love and wonderful memories of our well spent childhood. Your Mom was terrific and an example of the zest for life that I know I have been instilled with

Justine Schrimsher

April 1, 2015

You will be missed Joan. May your love live on in your beautiful family, as they honor you, and share your memory. It was a joy to know you here on earth. It's your time to soar with the Angels now and forever.
Love,
Justine and Tim

April 1, 2015

Joan did indeed have a big heart.

One of the greatest beneficiaries was our father, George Playe, who had the joy of knowing Joan, loving Joan, and traveling through life with Joan for a short, short while. This further extended her family circle. She became a great friend to us. Kept in touch. Cared about George's grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was amazing. She was loved. She will be missed.

Marcia Playe Bittner
Stephen Playe

Michael Connolly

March 30, 2015

I didn't know you or ever had the honor of meeting you, but knowing your son, Christopher several years and reading all the kind wonderful words about you, you must have been one heck of a woman. You raised a great son and person, as well as your other children and extended family. Seems you touched SO MANY lives and you will always be remembered. May you now RIP

Christopher McGarey

March 30, 2015

I Love You Mom & I will miss you forever.

Thank you for the life you gave me.....

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