Joanne Nadine McCarthy

Place of Birth: Denver, CO

Year of Marriage: 1949

Preceded by E. Jerome (Jerry), loving husband of 66 years (married Sept 3, 1949)

Survived by: John, Joe, Kathleen Childress (Robin), Mary Ellen Zang (Paul), Carol Hodgman (Will), Tom (Anne Kelly), Anne Yost (Bill), Barb Plunkett (Steve), 17 grandchildren, one great grandson and her devoted dog, Pepper.

Brief Description of her life:

Devoted mother to eight children and “Nana” to 17 grandchildren and one great grandson. She happily provided love, support, and effortless organization for everything from daily meals for 10 to “event” birthdays (such as converting the breakfast room into a Bedouin tent) to sewing amazingly creative Halloween costumes, creating festive holidays and overseeing the "famous" McCarthy Mauler - a crazy annual event of running races, marshmallow shooter battles, beach sports and more that united the whole family for nearly 40 years. In addition to her role as dedicated mother and wife, she was the secret ingredient behind the success of her late husband’s best-selling text book “Basic Marketing.” Though she always dismissed the importance of her contribution, she re-wrote countless pages and led bi-annual edits of the book, spread across the dining room table, meticulously proofing every page.

She was passionate about theater and loved writing, poetry, opera, international travel, healthy food and great books. Nothing made her smile faster than holding a tiny baby or having a tea party with a little grandchild.

The family would like to celebrate the dedicated friendships Joanne cherished, especially in her last years, including Lois Lynch, Deb Popp and Tom and Gerry Chirgwin. The family would like to express our profound gratitude for the loving care provided by Diane F, Connie, Yolanda, Sarai, Jessica, Rachel, Lisa and Haywood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, 750 E. Shaw Lane, E. Lansing, MI 48824 c/o Joanne N. and E. Jerome McCarthy Endowment for Arts Education or Holy Childhood Church, 150 W Main St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.

A memorial service will be held 11: 00 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017, with visitation 30 minutes prior at the funeral home.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On-line condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.