Obituary

Joan K. Dunne, born Joan Kathleen Carlson on May 7^th, 1942, in Long Beach, CA departed this earthly life to be with our Lord and Saviour on December 19^th, 2022.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Lorrie Gagne of Mission Viejo, CA (husband John, daughters Alexandra and Samantha) and Felisha Dunne Laguna Beach, CA (son Benjamin and daughter Annabelle), and Vanessa Doody of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (husband Casey and son Nathan); as well as her brother Paul Carlson, cousin Trudy Carter, previous husband Jerry Dunne and 3 great grandchildren along with additional extended family members.

Joan grew up in the Seal Beach and Long Beach areas and married Jerry Dunne at St. Bartholomew Church in Belmont Shore. She had daughters Lorrie and Felisha and a short career as an X-ray technician in Chiropractors offices. After her divorce from Jerry, she met chiropractor Ken Williams D.C. and had her third daughter Vanessa. When Vanessa was an infant Joan embarked on a Sales career in the Freight Trucking Business. This was the beginning of an over 30-year career where she climbed the corporate ladder to Regional Sales Manager with ABF Trucking. She was with ABF for 28 years and awarded her accomplishments with a trip to Montreal and Quebec Canada upon Retirement. Joan was a pioneer of her time as women were just beginning to make their way into the corporate world and certainly were not abounding in the Trucking Business. She succeeded in Sales and made her way into Regional Sales Management. As Regional Sales Manager she mentored many men and women into successful Salespersons of whom have stayed within the industry or outside sales business.

In later adulthood Joan rediscovered her passion for horses. Despite her fear of not knowing much about horses or how to ride, in true fashion she did what it took to not only learn but to purchase and care for her own horse. All three girls were grown and out of the house and this is when she found her true passion and favorite horse Elliot. It was at this stage in her life that she moved to Norco, CA and seemed to be the happiest. After life’s continuing changes Elliot passed and she purchased Dash whom she co-owned with friend Renae and eventually moved to Laguna Woods, CA. Joan continued to ride Dash and muck stalls into her 80^th year just a few short months before her passing; again, being an inspiration to all who knew her.

Joan leaves behind many beloved friends from various journeys and aspects in her life. She was a friend to all and was a strong support to so many. She has been referred to as their “rock,” or their “angel.” If you needed anything she was there to help and support anyway she could. She wanted to be known as a “Holy Floater” filling in areas of need to those around her. Her sense of humor was above and beyond and one of the best qualities about her. If Joan was around, you were sure to be laughing and at something inappropriate.

As a woman of great faith, Joan wished to live a life worthy and pleasing to our Lord. She would want you to remember the love and safety promised by Christ to those who believe in Him. She would want to be remembered with funny, silly, crazy, and also lovely stories about her and celebrate the devotion she had to God, her family and friends. Joan knew no stranger; everyone was a friend. We have a lot to learn from the way she lived: push through fears and do anyway, love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, be devoted to your family, be a true friend to all you meet and laugh your way through it all.

Celebration of Life
Friday February 17^th
Norman P. Murray Center, Mission Viejo
2:30 pm

The family requests no flowers, please.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider one of these charities
and make a donation in Joan’s honor:
https://wildhorsesanctuary.org/
https://returntofreedom.org/what-we-do/sanctuary/

Joan’s urn has been placed at this location:

El Toro Memorial Park
25751 Trabuco Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630

949-951-8244

Joan’s Niche location:
SEC: LA29, Block G, Lot 3, Space 6