Joan McCarthy Kane, 86, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
She was born on January 13, 1932 in New York City (Bronx), N.Y. to the late James J. and Elsie (Kalnin) McCarthy. She was raised in Ossining, N.Y. and graduated from Ossining High School, Class of 1950. She graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History. She was a dedicated member and lifelong supporter of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
After marrying, Joan and her husband Edward moved to multiple locations in the Northeast, settling in Waccabuc, N.Y. in 1966. While living in Waccabuc for 32 years, she was an avid gardener and lover of nature and animals. Mrs. Kane was also an active member of Waccabuc Country Club. She served as co-chair of the Ladies Golf and Platform Tennis Committees as well as being a member of the House Committee.
Joan was an artist and designer at heart. She was trained and certified in the art of the painted finish, by Isabel O’Neil personally, in The Isabel O'Neil Studio Workshop in New York City. Later, with her three partners, she found and ran the Painted Finish Studio in Greenwich, Conn. Joan regularly attended the Metropolitan Opera as well as the many museums and art exhibits in New York City.
Beginning in 1998, she and her husband made Amelia Island their permanent home; they loved exploring the beautiful ocean, beaches and marshes of the barrier islands. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. For many years, she was a dedicated docent at the Amelia Island Museum of History. She loved the Cummer Museum and the Jacksonville Symphony.
She was an excellent cook and always enthusiastic about foreign travel where she could immerse herself in the art, history and culinary experiences of various cultures.
She was predeceased by a son, John Kevin Kane, in 1995.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Edward J. Kane of Amelia Island; her children, Darcy (Peter) Ruvolo of Jacksonville, Michael (Jennifer) of Providence, R.I., Maggie of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Timothy (Sheila) of Lake Geneva, Wisc., and Jennifer (Ed) Bennett of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Richard J. (Rita) McCarthy of Bolivia, N.C.; and grandchildren, Caitlin Ruvolo, Lauren Kane, Madeline Kane, Sean Kane, Emily Kane, Matthew Kane, Amanda Bennett, E.J. Bennett and Carter Bennett, as well as her beloved Labrador, Zelda.
For those who knew her well, her strong will and personality were not easily overlooked. We raise a glass to "Joanie, The Queen of Ireland."
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. February 2, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Jose Kallukalam officiating.
Contributions may be made in her name to Catholic Relief Services, Covenant House or the Humane Society of Nassau County.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors