Joan McRoberts

Joan McRoberts, of Alma, was called home to be with Jesus on October 17, 2022.  Joan was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin to her family.

Joan was born on August 18, 1942 to a loving Polish Catholic family in Detroit, Michigan.  Joan’s parents, Bernice and Walter Dolney, raised seven children in a home filled with affection and an appreciation for the Lord.  Joan attended a private Catholic school throughout her childhood, which further solidified her profound faith.

In 1962, Joan married Douglas Kuran and they had three cherished sons, Douglas, Brian and Duane.  Joan enjoyed spending time outdoors camping with her children and Joan nurtured her children by expressing and living the values of love, generosity, integrity, compassion and respect.  Later, Joan married Lynn McRoberts and they resided in Ithaca.  Joan and Lynn shared a very special bond and were the devoted parents of their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth.  Joan placed high importance on the value of an education and she always loved attending school.  She instilled this belief in her children and throughout the future generations.  With a desire to serve others, Joan accepted a position at Gratiot Community Hospital, which led to much fulfillment over the years.

Music provided much comfort to Joan and she had an amazing memory for the lyrics to a wide variety of songs.  As an adult, Joan learned to play the piano by ear.  Her children were filled with joy listening to their mom play the piano and sing her favorite songs.  Music continues to be a source of happiness for the entire family.

Joan’s wisdom, physical and mental strength, faith, fortitude, gentle soul, selflessness, clever wit and deep love for her family were all cherished attributes.  Undoubtedly, she always put her children first and supported them unconditionally.  Joan enjoyed visiting her daughter in Southern California and in 2021, she joined her family for a memorable Hawaiian vacation.  Joan always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and was eager for their next religious celebration, sporting event and most of all, spending quality time together.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Lynn, who passed away in 1987, as well as her parents, Bernice and Walter, and her two sisters, Elaine and Cindy.  Joan is survived by her four loving children- Douglas (Anne) Kuran of Alma, Brian (Terri) Kuran of Vestaburg, Duane Kuran of Alma, and Sarah McRoberts (Edgar) Montes of Orange County, CA, as well as Julie (Andy) Tucker and Susie McRoberts.  Additionally, Joan’s close-knit siblings are Felicia (Joe) Jaskowski, Charmaine Jordan, Dennis (Pam) Dolney and John (Isolde) Dolney.  Joan’s beloved grandchildren include Katherine Kuran, Rachel (Randy) Lederer, Anjelita (Tyler) Garza, Erik Aittama, Zack Kuran, Adam Kuran, Luke Kuran, Elijah Montes and Starlynn Montes, as well as three great grandchildren, Isabel Kuran, Zane Lederer, and Anya Lederer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.   

Barden Funeral Home will hold a visitation for Joan from 2:00-6:00pm on October 21.  A funeral mass, in honor of Joan, will be held at St. Paul’s Apostle Catholic Church at 11:00am on Saturday, October 22.  A luncheon will follow the mass in the parish hall.  Afterward, a burial service will be held at the Hamilton Township Cemetery.  Flowers may be sent to Barden Funeral Home in honor of Joan.  Memorial contributions may be made, in Joan’s name, to St. Paul’s Church in Ithaca.

As we reflect on Joan’s life, we think of the eloquent words from the hymn, The Old Rugged Cross:  

“So I'll cherish the old rugged cross

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it some day for a crown.”            

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Barbara Butyter]

To my very dear friend, Julie Tucker, and her extended family, I send my condolences on your loss. I hope your many good memories of Joan provide comfort in the years to come. Love, Barbara

[Mr.& Mrs Jose Montes]

To all Joan's family:
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May God continue blessing you with peace in your hearts. We love you Joan 💕Rest in peace🙏

[Nicole Dolney Bourne]

To all who loved and knew Joan. May the wonderful memories you have of Joan surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Hold them tight and remember how much you’re loved by those around you - both those nearby and those who live farther away but think often of you. Love Nicole

[Alissa Jordan]

My dear Aunt Joan, I will remember you in the summertime in Michigan on the farm, cheering on your cherished daughter as she threw her pom poms in the air right in front of the front door, running routine after routine. Always driving us to play tennis, you had to chase us through Chicago once, from museum to cafe to indoor tennis court. It was the first time I was ever in a taxi. You scolded me for stealing eggs from Mr. Ed, you had such open skies and cornfields around your lovely home, where you stayed up late with us to watch the Twilight Zone. Your house had the best games and the widest spaces to play and it was full of joy for me. You were my mother’s close confidant. You let us explore and swim and run wild and get ice cream before we even ate dinner. It was the superman flavor we talked about. We all grew up and moved away and found new paths but those summers hold a special place in my heart. My condolences to your family. I know your rest with Mary and the Lord will be peaceful and I take solace in thinking of your joyful reunion with your Lynn.

[Susan Babcock]

To the family of my dear and wonderful coworker I am honored to call my friend--It's been a lot of years since retirement and my loss of contact with Joan, but she was a lovely person to work with. I loved her like my Mom!! I'm truly sorry for your loss, but I'm sure she is in a much better place. God Bless You All and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️ 🙏🫂

[María Garcia]

To Joan’s Beloved Family and Friends, may you find comfort and peace in the coming days ahead as you celebrate the wonderful life of Joan who showed everyone she met including me, so much love and kindness. I will always cherish the memories when Mama Joan visited in San Diego and spent time with you Sarah. I will always remember her telling me how much she appreciated me and was thankful we were friends Sarah. Always letting us know how much she loved us all. She was oh so proud to be your Mama and best friend. Joan, you were a beautiful soul and you will forever be missed. May God continue to bless this family with strength, comfort, and peace. We love you Joan. Rest in peace 🙏🏽💛

[Duane Kuran]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM♥️ I miss n Love U so much. I’d like to dedicate this song for U today… it’s from ur favorite movie the song “Down to the River”~ Alison Krauss. I think about U all the time and I miss talking to U when I need ur guidance. I get comfort recalling ur words of Love.. Support.. Guidance…Strength. May U have a Blessed Birthday…Mom I strive every day to Live the life U would want me to and I miss U so much… Love ur Son… Duane💙🙏🏻

[Sarah Montes]

It’s been two years since you entered the gates of heaven to be with the Lord. I continue to miss you every day and talk about you very frequently. You were everything to us and the love you had for your children carried us through all of our life events. I pray that you continue to look out for us. You were our guardian angel here on earth and we know you will continue to support us as a most holy angel from above. 💕🙏🏻