Joan Carol Carpenter

January 27, 1941 – March 7, 2024

Joan Carol Carpenter passed away peacefully on Thursday March 7th, 2024, at her home in Pflugerville, Texas at the age of 83. She was surrounded by an outpouring of love from family and friends during her final days. Joan is survived by her husband of 61 years, three sons, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Joan was born in Bronxville, New York, and grew up in nearby Valhalla. She graduated from White Plains High School and was selected Phi Theta Kappa at Westchester Community College where she earned a Certificate of Applied Art. Together with her devoted husband Burt, she raised a family of three boys while maintaining a varied career. As a teenager Joan drove for her father’s trucking company, and later for two school bus companies. Joan was an administrative assistant at various firms, including IBM, KLM Airlines, and the NY Board of Cooperative Education Services.

From her teens, Joan displayed a talent for art which she continued throughout her life, producing many fine paintings and sculptures. In the early 1970’s, Joan opened a ceramic studio business in her home which she ran for several years. By organizing group classes, she was able to share with others both the technique and the joy of creating art. Everywhere she lived there was a room dedicated to arts and crafts.

After Joan and Burt retired, they lived in Brooklyn and Cape Cod for a few years before settling in Pflugerville, Texas, in 1991. Without doubt, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were Joan’s love and passion. She was their baby-sitter, chauffeur, spoiler, cooking instructor, art mentor, and advisor. The children experienced magical sleepovers, and shared unique snacks like lollipops dipped in coffee.

Joan’s joy and focus came from her faith in Jesus Christ; she always found beauty in life. Joan was unwaveringly optimistic, empathetic, and patient; she had a contagious laugh and was your biggest supporter when you had a bad day.

We all miss you very much, but we know deep in our hearts you are now at peace with God.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday April 6, 2024, at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.