Joan M. McAnany Obituary
Joan M. McAnany (McCracken), 71, of Gloucester passed away on April 9, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones in her beautiful room with a view of the river.
Joanie was born in Chicago, IL, on May 17, 1952, to the late Frank and Margaret McCracken (Aspinall). She was married to the love of her life, Richard McAnany II, whom she met at 3 years old at the St. Joseph School for the Deaf. They were married 22 years, at which time she warmly welcomed Richard's children Miranda Niemoth (McAnany) and Conrad McAnany into her life. Joanie is survived by her brother Mike (Frank) McCracken of Gloucester and her best friend and sister Carol Burke, of Maryland. Joanie is preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Robert McCracken. Joanie was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews, an incredible Nana to her five grandchildren, and a treasured family member to many more. She was a role model for unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Joanie was a graduate of New Canaan High School and attended Bethany College. One of her favorite childhood pastimes was horseback riding. In her career, she was a programmer for IBM and long-time employee of McCracken Financial Solutions, where she was a software developer and quality analyst. Joanie had a knack for nurturing gorgeous and rare orchids, painted beautiful watercolors of nature, and loved being by the ocean. Wherever she was, Joanie made each person she came in contact with feel loved. She was a shining light of positivity and one of the most kind, humble, genuine, grateful, and generous people you ever met. Her zest for life and laughter were contagious. "Joyful Joanie" loved to gather family and friends in her home and was the life of the party. Her incredible rhythm and infectious energy would light up the dance floor, leaving everyone in awe. She felt the music in her bones. Joanie faced her cancer diagnosis with unimaginable grace and acceptance, a tribute to her perspective on life and unwavering faith. Her passing leaves a big gap in the lives of those that knew her, but her light and love will live on forever.
A Celebration of Joanie's life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Firehouse, 73 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joanie's honor to St. Joseph School for the Deaf (Brentwood, MO) http://www.sjid.org, where she and her husband have remained active alumni.
Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.
