Joan M. Grant

Joan Marie Grant (née Spangler) passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Carmichael, California, at the age of 90.

Born on September 15, 1935, Joan lived a life full of laughter, curiosity, and authenticity. She was married to the love of her life, Brendan Horan, until his passing on March 17, 2017. Together, they built a joyful and creative partnership—one that combined humor, sharp intellect, and a shared appreciation for history, politics, and the beauty of well-loved things.

Joan is survived by her four stepchildren—Beth Lucchesi, Amy Horan, Tom (Amanda) Horan, and Megan (Brian) Hogan—and by her grandchildren, Peter Bodnar, Bee Bodnar, and Bridget Bodnar. She will also be deeply missed by countless friends, neighbors, and members of the antiques community who came to know and love her over the years.

After a fulfilling career with the California State Assembly Committee on Health, Joan retired and pursued her passion for antiques. Together with Brendan, she founded 2001 N Tiques, a beloved antiques shop that began in their charming Victorian home in Old Town Sacramento. The shop later found a new home within Magnolia Antiques in Carmichael, where Joan continued to share her impeccable eye and deep knowledge of art, history, and design. Through her work, she built lasting friendships with fellow dealers and loyal customers who appreciated her sharp wit, generous spirit, and unfiltered honesty.

Even after retiring from public service, Joan’s love of civic life never faded. In 2000, she took on a leadership role with the U.S. Census, where she proved so capable that she was offered a full-time position in Washington, D.C.—an offer she declined, preferring to remain in California and continue running the antiques business she loved. She remained deeply engaged in current events and was a devoted follower of C-SPAN and The Rachel Maddow Show, always ready with a smart (and sometimes spicy) take on the news of the day.

Joan was known for her great stories, her sharp humor, and her ability to keep everyone up to date on the latest gossip. She was a straight-talker, never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought—but always with kindness, warmth, and that unforgettable smile and laugh that could light up any room.

She was a Trivial Pursuit champion, nearly impossible to beat thanks to her quick mind and endless curiosity. A friend to all animals, especially cats, Joan had a tender heart and a home that was always open to four-legged companions.

Joan was truly one of a kind—brilliant, funny, loyal, and fiercely genuine. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, stories, and love that will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.