Joan McCarn, age 91 of Allegan, died at Wings Home in Allegan on Friday, August 28, 2026. Joan was born November 11, 1934, in Plainwell, Michigan, the only child of Floyd and Julia Waanders McCarn.

Joan began taking piano lessons in the first grade and added flute lessons in the fourth grade. While in high school, she accompanied choir and instrumental ensembles, in addition to marching with the band. Joan’s musical talent earned her awards for solo flute at district and state levels.

Upon graduating from Allegan High School in 1953, Joan received a music scholarship to Michigan State University, However, in the 1950s, women were seldom employed as band directors, so at the end of her freshman year, Joan transferred to Western Michigan University’s School of Occupational Therapy (OT). She graduated in 1957 with a degree in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Music. She returned to WMU to earn a master’s degree in Supervision and Administration in 1969.

Joan’s first job was as a telephone operator for General Telephone in Allegan, working part time and during the summer while in high school. In 1957, after completing her OT clinical training in Southern California, she worked as Staff Therapist at private and Veteran’s Administration hospitals in Long Beach, California. While there, she worked with polio survivors, stroke patients, those with spinal cord injuries, and those with hand injuries. In 1978, she accepted the position of Chief of Occupational Therapy at the VA hospital in Danville, Illinois. Joan’s last position as an Occupational Therapist was at the Veterans Administration hospital in Tampa, Florida. She especially enjoyed working with Home Care clients.

Upon retirement in 1994, Joan returned to Allegan where she volunteered with the Allegan County Historical Museum and Village, as well as Allegan General Hospital. She participated in the Allegan Lifelong Learners group. Joan had a circle of friends who met regularly for lunch and other adventures. She was a member of the Allegan Presbyterian Church and often attended services at the Allegan United Methodist Church.

Joan enjoyed traveling. While living in California, she traveled throughout the southwest and northwest United States, Western Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii. When she returned to the Midwest, she added travel to many midwestern states, as well as eastern Canada, Greece, Alaska, and Scandinavian countries.

Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart were among Joan's favorite composers. She also collected Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, and jazz recordings. She enjoyed many crafting activities including knitting, sewing, and quilting. Gardening and reading were also activities she enjoyed.

Joan raised dogs wherever she lived, preferring Australian Shepherds, an intelligent and hardworking breed which was a perfect match as they embodied characteristics Joan demonstrated. Over the years, Joan’s loving nature and patience welcomed Dundee, Smokey, Gypsy, Snickers, Rags, Amber, Roxy, and Spring. She also rescued several cats.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, several cousins, and several good friends. She is survived by her Welsh Corgi, Spring.

Following her wishes, cremation had taken place.

Services for Joan will be Saturday, September 12, 2 p.m., at the Allegan United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Light refreshments will follow the service. Joan will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan near her mother and father.

Joan established the Joan McCarn Endowed Scholarship Fund for Occupational Therapy Students at WMU. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Joan’s honor might consider this fund. Joan also identified Wings of Hope in Allegan as an organization for memorial contributions.

While visiting Joan’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087, (269 679-5622).