Joan M. Oles 1935-2026

Born Jan. 22, 1935, in Youngstown, 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. She was actively involved in several organizations, including Meals on Wheels and the Father 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 through 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 three 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 waving as each child / grandchild skied by.

Joan (known by friends as Joanie) formed a lifelong bond with her Ursuline High School girlfriends. As young married moms, they formed a club, formerly 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 was part of the Seton Catholic ladies group, where their strengthened faith helped them through 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 take place 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr’s Centre Drive, Canfield, OH 44406.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.

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

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