Joan Carney

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

August 27, 1937 ~ June 28, 2024

Joan Carney (McDevitt), 86, passed away June 28, 2024, in Cottonwood Heights. Born August 27, 1937, in Pocatello, Idaho, Joan dedicated her life to serving others, professionally as a nurse and personally as a wife, mother and grandmother.

Mom graduated from Pocatello High School and the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, Washington. She began her nursing career working at Bannock Memorial Hospital and St. Anthony’s Hospital in Pocatello and continued it at St. Joseph’s Villa in Salt Lake City. Known for her strong will and compassionate care, Mom did not shy away from standing her ground with physicians to advocate for her patients. In the 1990s, she and her husband began a career in real estate, further showcasing her versatile talents.

Mom was a devout Catholic, actively involved in St. Joseph’s Parish in Pocatello and St. Thomas More in Cottonwood Heights. Her faith was evident in her commitment to community service. She taught CCD for over 30 years and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector and funeral reception coordinator for decades. Mom’s home was always open to everyone, from neighbors to exchange students, but most importantly to her family, earning her the affectionate nickname “Grandma Jo” to grandchildren who enjoyed her care and love. Her life was a testament to her faith, resilience and unwavering commitment to her community.

Joan is survived by her husband of 64 years, Thomas James “Jim” Carney, and their eight children: Patrick (Rossana), Brigid, Brenden, Timothy (Julie), Kevin (Ashley), Clifford, Francis (Sara) and Megan (Daniel Zurkan). Mom was a proud grandmother to 30 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings Colleen, Sharon and Barney. She was preceded in death by parents Bernard Aloysius and Margaret Hermann McDevitt, and several siblings.

An Irish wake will be held on Friday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Alpha Coffee, 7260 Racquet Club Drive, Cottonwood Heights. Mom always said that the sign of a good wake was how quiet and respectful everyone was the next day at Mass, so come share your stories and celebrate Joan. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E. Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at 7639 Cardiff Circle, Cottonwood Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s memory to Catholic Community Services at support.crs.org/donate/memorial, to continue her legacy of service.