Joan McCarthy Oles

Joan McCarthy Oles, a devoted homemaker and loving mother, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by her cherished family. Born on January 22, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio, Joan was a proud graduate of Ursuline High School in 1952 and furthered her education at Youngstown State University.

Throughout her life, Joan exemplified kindness and caring, traits that endeared her to many. As a member of St. Dominic Church, she embraced her faith and contributed to her community. She was actively involved in several organizations, including Meals on Wheels and the Fr. O'Neil Difference Makers.

Joan's life was deeply committed to her Catholic faith where she was a daily fixture at St Dominic's noon Mass for nearly 40 years. Even while suffering thru a long period of dementia her faith remained remarkably clear and strong as she peacefully passed with rosary in hand. A family friend, "Sister Dolly," gently commented that this horrible disease may have stolen our mother's health, but it can't take her faith!

Joan led a full life where focus on family and tradition occupied her every day. A family trip to the shores of Lake Erie (60 years ago) changed the lives of now 3 generations, as spending summers at Grandma's lake continues to be her family's happy place and gathering on Grammy's porch to watch the sunset being the highlight of each day. Finding another reason to gather family, Joan started winter New Year's Eve trips to Seven Springs, which became a tradition that lasted 34 years and now includes three generations. Grandma Joanie would post up at The Foggy Goggle and watch the slopes by the window, proudly waiving as each child/grandchild skied by.

Joan (known by friends as Joanie) formed a life-long bond with her Ursuline High School girlfriends. As young married moms, they formed a club, formally known as "The Club," whose sole purpose, supposedly, was to play cards (many a child of these members claim they never saw anyone play cards), but the meetings would be loud with laughter until late in the evening! This group also were part of The Seton Catholic ladies group, where their strengthened faith helped them thru the many challenges life would bring. These women stayed in touch and cared for each other to this day.

Joan's proudest accomplishments were her beloved children and grandchildren, who brought her profound joy. She is survived by her daughters Kathleen (Don) Gibson, Sheila (John) Fassler, and Maureen (Brian) Rable, and her sons John V. (Janet), Mark (Polly), and Patrick (Julie) McCarthy. She was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great pride and happiness in her life. She is further survived by her sister Claranne McCloud.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, John McCarthy, and later, Gary Oles, whose memories she cherished deeply. She was also preceded by her parents, Leo and Clara (Lung) Lyden, and her brothers Leo P., Francis, and J. Donald Lyden, along with sisters Mary Cramb and Elaine Squillace.

A visitation will be held on January 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home - Boardman-Canfield Chapel, located at 3701 Starr’s Centre Drive, Canfield, OH 44406. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 19, 2026, at St. Dominic Church, 77 E Lucius Ave, Youngstown, OH 44507, beginning at 10:00 AM.

The McCarthy family extends our heartfelt appreciation to the staff and caregivers at The Inn at Old Saybrook who provided the utmost in love, respect and care during Joan's time there. We are forever grateful.

Contributions may be made in Joan's memory to St. Dominic Church.

Joan McCarthy Oles will be remembered fondly for her unwavering love for her family and her gentle spirit that touched the lives of so many.

This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.