Joan Catherine Johanson, 83, passed away October 29, 2017 at home in Severna Park, Maryland following a lengthy cardiopulmonary illness. She leaves behind her loving husband, retired United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert L. (Bob) Johanson; her sons Robert and wife Elaine of Ellicott City, Maryland; Michael and wife Allison of Richmond, Texas; Jeffrey and wife Lori of Victoria, Texas; Steven and wife Sharon of Groveland, Massachusetts; Eric of Severna Park, Maryland; Christopher and wife Nina of Catonsville, Maryland; and Kurt and wife Melissa of Annapolis, Maryland. She is also survived by twenty-six grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; her sister Zita Smith of New London, Connecticut; and her brother Jack Flaherty and his wife Karen of Pawcatuck, Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nora Cunnane Flaherty, and brother Bobby of New London, Connecticut, and sister Anne Burns of Milford, Connecticut.

Born October 31, 1933, in New London, Joan attended St. Mary's Elementary School, William Memorial Institute, and Connecticut College for Women where she graduated in 1955 with Phi Beta Kappa honors. A few months later she married Bob, then a Coast Guard Ensign, beginning an adventurous life together that would span more than 62 years. Blessed with seven sons during the first nine years of their marriage, Joan was completely engaged in raising that crew while living in seven different states as Bob was transferred on Coast Guard assignments. It was not until 1971 that she was able to pursue a part-time career as a clinical social worker. She earned an MSW degree from the University of Houston in 1975. During the next 25 years Joan worked in a variety of social work posts, including for the Bureau of Indian Affairs assisting native Alaskans on Kodiak Island, and at Church Hospital in Baltimore meeting the needs of chronically or terminally ill patients. At the Hospice of the Chesapeake, where she worked until her retirement in 2000, she was renowned for finding community resources. During the past 18 years, Joan, a devout Catholic, has served as a pastoral minister and the "right-hand" assistant to Sister Maureen Kelly of St. John the Evangelist Church in administering their Ministry to the Sick and Homebound. She also faithfully prepared meals for the homeless every month and served as a volunteer for the organization SPAN (Supporting People Across Communities).

A two-time cancer survivor, Joan had an indomitable spirit that never waivered. She was determined to give her best effort in every endeavor she undertook. She was an avid reader who enjoyed discussing politics and traveling for family vacations and reunions, as well as places abroad that held historical interest for her. She always looked forward to spending time on the beach, and her special joy was being with and keeping tabs on her family. She loved preparing meals and hosting Christmas, Thanksgiving, and gatherings to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries of the month.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, November 5, 2017 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with a Vigil Service with family words of remembrances to be held at 7 pm in the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 11 am in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. Interment will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 2pm in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com