Joanne Crawley McCarthy

na - 2007

Joanne Crawley McCarthy, a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, April 30, 2007, at the age of 82.

Born in Hollywood, Calif., the fourth child of Helen and Paul R. Crawley, Joanne grew up in Beverly Hills. She attended Hawthorne Elementary and graduated in 1942 from Beverly Hills High School, where she had met so many lifelong friends and the love of her life, Justin McCarthy.

Joanne and Justin married in 1944. Before starting her family, Joanne worked for a Beverly Hills pediatrician whose patients included the children of many Hollywood stars from the "Golden Age." With the birth of her first child, Joanne "retired" to devote herself to raising her family.

Throughout her life, Joanne involved herself in many activities. As a young wife and mother, she volunteered as a candy striper at Childrens Hospital. She was active in the lives of her four children, serving as a Blue Bird leader, supporting her son's Indian Guide group, and the family tennis activities.

In addition to love of her family, Joanne took great pride in her home. It was always spotless, even when there were four children and pets running in and out. She loved beautiful music and could frequently be heard humming or whistling to the songs of Frank Sinatra and others.

In the 1990s, Joanne joined her husband, Justin, as executive assistant for the Beverly Hills High School Alumni Association. This was a labor of love taking her back to the place of so many happy memories while connecting with scores of old and new friends.

Joanne, with her unforgettable sparkle, stunning red hair and adorable freckles will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Justin; their four children, Julie, Scott and wife Shanon, Mindy (Oki) and husband Rick, Kim (Sanders) and husband Bill; grandchildren, Keenan and Collin McCarthy, Erynne and Aimee Oki, Sean, Justin and Sage Sanders; sister, Anne Bruskrud; and brother Robert Crawley, Sr.

She was predeceased by her parents; and brother Paul.

Joanne's family wishes to express their gratitude to Claudia, Eleanor, Hermila, Maxine and Ruti with Assisted Home Hospice, and Barbara and Sally with Hospice of the Conejo for the loving care and support they gave Joanne and her family for the past year and a half. A private memorial service and celebration of Joanne's life was held on May 12, n Westlake Village.