Joan
Frances (French) Barchick passed
away peacefully, December 24, 2007,
surrounded by her family. Joan’s
life journey began and ended in the
arms of family.
Joan
was welcomed into the warm arms of
her loving parents, Norman and
Winifred (Kilcourse) French on
October 23, 1926. She grew up in
East Toledo and attended St. Thomas
Aquinas elementary. After graduating
from Whitney High School in Office
Practice, class of ‘44, Joan headed
to Washington D.C. for an adventure
working in the War Department.
Upon return to Toledo, Joan was
employed at Lamson’s. Through a
blind date and at the urging of her
mother, she met the love of her
life, James Paul Barchick. They
married August 4, 1951 at St. Thomas
Aquinas Church. Jim and Joan shared
many wonderful times and memories
during their marriage — a new
family, lifelong friendships and
discovery of inner strength and
faith. Her beloved passed away on
December 13, 1969. The support of
family and friends gave Joan the
strength to keep marching forward.
Faith, family and friends were her
foundation. A member of Church of
the Most Blessed Sacrament for 53
years, she participated in various
parish activities. Most meaningful
in particular, she was a Perpetual
Adoration Adorer in the chapel.
Every challenge presented, every
sorrow experienced, and every
happiness to share, she accepted
with stoicism, hope and some humor.
Joan became employed with the Toledo
Public Schools system in 1970. Over
the course of 26 years, she served
as secretary at various schools and
later, communications assistant at
the Thurgood Marshall Bldg. After
retiring in 1996, she continued to
work part-time with TPS. In between
adventures with her grandchildren
and friends, she volunteered at the
Friends of the Library. Reading was
her passion. She volunteered at
Crosby Gardens and Wildwood
Metropark because she was a hiker
and loved the outdoors. In the
spirit of the explorer, she traveled
with friends and family. Among her
favorite destinations was
Ireland—her mother’s homeland.
One of Joan’s greatest
accomplishments was raising her four
children. Each grew to be a kind,
compassionate and successful adult.
She loved each for their uniqueness.
She was proud of their
accomplishments, and eternally
thankful for their love. Joan loved
and appreciated each of her
sons-in-law and daughter-in-law. She
adored watching her grandchildren
grow and succeed. Over the years,
they filled her heart with sunshine.
Joan is reunited with her husband,
Jim; parents, and sister, Mary Lou
Yetis. Her life is celebrated by her
loving children Susan (Thomas) Eisel
and their children Natalie, Patty
and Jim; Douglas (Teresa) Barchick
and their sons Eric and Sean;
Patricia (Michael) Gory and their
daughter Kelsie; Jacqueline Barchick
(Cooper Suter) and their daughters
Anna and Winie; and niece, Nil
(Mark) Gallagher and their daughters
Kelly, Erin and Megan. Joan will be
greatly missed by her many friends.
Friends may call at Reeb Funeral
Home, 5712 North Main St., Sylvania,
Thursday, December 27 from 3-9 p.m.
with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral
services will be held Friday,
December 28, 11 a.m. at Church of
the Most Blessed Sacrament with Fr.
Martin Donnelly officiating.
Interment will follow at Calvary
Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the
special caregivers at Sunset
Retirement Village. Your kindness
and compassion showed in the many
ways you cared for Mom.
In lieu of flowers, please consider
contributions in Joan’s memory to
Church of the Most Blessed
Sacrament.
