Joan Maciak

If anyone ever really cared for someone else it would have to be Joan Maciak. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Joan was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

She was the daughter of Art and Nan Ellis. Joan was raised in Huntington, West Virginia. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Joan's personality throughout her life. Joan was raised with one sibling. She had one brother, Fred Ellis. Joan and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

Joan was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Joan cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On March 22, 1982 Joan married David Maciak at Naval Post Graduate School of Monterrey, California. Compassionate and devoted, Joan worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Joan and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Joan was blessed with two children, Tracey, and Wendy. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Alanna, Erin, and Shannon. Joan was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Joan was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Joan would listen before she would act.

Joan was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Scooter, a Yorkie, who was a best friend for 5 years.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Joan, and she expected the same from those around her. Joan was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Joan was a steady worker and a joy to work with. She worked for the government. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

Since it was easy for Joan to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Joan was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2002. Her new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. Even in retirement, Joan stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Joan passed away on May 25, 2018 at Centennial Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is survived by her husband, David Maciak, her daughter, Tracey, and her grandchildren, Alanna, Erin, and Shannon. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary.

Joan was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Joan was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Joan Maciak.