Joan Carol Running
Joan Carol Running, age 69, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2021 at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City, CA while surrounded by family and close friends. She was born on July 22, 1952 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to parents George G. Irvine and Yvonne E. Waters.
Joan spent her early childhood years in Wisconsin before the family later relocated to Northern California. She attended and graduated from Paradise High School in June of 1971. On March 24th of 1978 she married Richard James Running, the love of her life, in Carson City, Nevada. They made a home in Reno, Nevada where together they managed property until his passing in September of 1986. She later devoted much of her life to property management, in home health care, and volunteer work; all in which she found great reward and happiness.
Joan was passionate about volunteer work and donated time to Veterans at the John McElroy VFW Auxiliary Post 1381, where she held numerous terms as both President and Vice President. She also volunteered at the Purple Cat Wild Feline Rescue/Thrift Store along with local Senior Centers.
Joan loved going to yard sales on the weekends with her sister and friends to find collectibles and gifts, long drives along the ocean, stopping by the local lighthouse, with bread in hand, to feed wild squirrels and other critters, and sharing fantastic stories about her life. Joan’s favorite stories to tell friends and family were about her encounters with Don Rickles and Dion Warwick while working as a waitress in Reno, Nevada. Most of all, Joan had a softest spot in her heart for animals. She would rescue any dog or cat that needed a home, feed local strays and is why she volunteered time at the Purple Cat Thrift Store.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard J. Running, father George G. Irvine, mother Yvonne E. Waters, sister Jennifer L. Basden, and brother Gary L. Irvine. She is survived by her brother Dean F. Irvine and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins who will honor her memory forever.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life which will be announced at a later time in Crescent City, CA. The celebration is for all family and friends to honor Joan’s extraordinary life and kind soul. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to donate time or money in Joan’s memory can do so at the Purple Cat Thrift Store and Wild Life Rescue.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel.
Please sign the family’s guest book at wiersmortuary.com
