Joan Marie Gartlan

Joan had a saying: “Go Easy!” She used this phrase for many different situations — rambunctious children, an aggressive back rub, or disagreements between siblings. But anyone who knows Joan is aware that for 84 years, she never took her own advice to “Go Easy.”

Her Catholic faith was her foundation and drove her to dedicate her life to helping others. A stellar student who earned a scholarship to Boston Academy of Notre Dame, she graduated from Regis College in nearby Weston, Massachusetts, with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. With a desire to use her practical skills, and not one to “Go Easy” when there were people to be helped, she headed off after college to teach at the first integrated school in South Carolina. At St. Anne’s Parochial School, she witnessed the start of desegregation. Returning to Boston, she worked for Hood Milk Co. promoting the benefits of dairy. When a friend was transferred to California, Joan decided to take the cross-country trip with her. She took a job with Southern California Gas Co. demonstrating the “new” gas ovens.

At a Catholic Alumni dance, she met Peter Gartlan, a good-looking Irish immigrant. They married in 1959 and moved to Northridge. With the arrival of their first child, Ann, Joan and Peter started a family and soon after Paul, Katie and Mike were added. A full-time homemaker, she was very involved in volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, her children’s schools and, eventually, M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need with Dignity), where she was a caseworker.

In 1988, she and Peter moved to Ventura, and she immediately immersed herself in volunteering at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. She also took on a part-time position at Project Understanding, working with the needy and homeless in the Ventura area. She “retired” in 2002, but again not one to “Go Easy,” she volunteered with Our Lady of the Assumption’s chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In 2014, Joan moved into the Ventura Townhouse and in 2015, because of declining health, moved to Minnesota to be closer to family. However, the staff at Stonecrest and Boutwells Landing Senior Living would tell you that up until her final hours, she did not “Go Easy.” Whether she was singing and dancing in the hallways, helping her neighbors and tablemates, or giving wise council, Joan was always trying follow God’s call to charity, kindness and compassion toward others.

Joan was preceded in death by her amazing husband, Peter Gartlan, her parents, John and Catherine Magee Hennessey; her brother John Hennessey; and her grandson Michael Burns.

She is survived by her children, Ann (John) McArthur, Paul Gartlan, Katie (Tim) Bratland, and Mike Gartlan; her grandchildren, Eryn Burns, Bryan Stevens, Megan and Ally Bratland; and her great-grandson, Christopher.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m., April 30, 2018, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, in Ventura. The Rite of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. May 1, 2018, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura. Burial will be on May 2, 2018, at St. Andrew’s Abbey, in Valyermo, California.

In Joan’s memory, donations can be made to M.E.N.D., Project Understanding, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, St. Andrew’s Abbey, or any charity that seeks to help those in most need.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.