Joanne Kay (McCarthy) Paul

Joanne Kay Paul, née McCarthy, age 91, went to be with her Lord on March 15, 2026. She was born on September 14, 1934, in Cheboygan, Michigan, to Dean and Vivian McCarthy.

In 1942, Joanne’s family, including her sister Marilyn, moved to Flint, Michigan, where she graduated from Flint Central High School in 1952. Her kindness and empathy led her to pursue a career in nursing. She attended Hurley Hospital School of Nursing in Flint, earning her Registered Nurse (R.N.) degree in 1955. Joanne devoted her entire career to nursing in Flint, where she was known for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to caring for others.

On June 14, 1957, Joanne married Harold “Frank” Paul. Together they shared a love of camping throughout Michigan and entertaining family and friends. Joanne was known for her fun and outgoing personality. She loved to dance, listen to Elvis, sew, and ice skate. Each year, she hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party to celebrate her family’s Irish heritage. Joanne was a true peacemaker—thoughtful, thankful, and kind to everyone she met.

Following her husband’s passing in 1994, Joanne moved to Holland, Michigan, in 1996 to be near her daughter. Her mother and sister later joined her there. Joanne became very active at Evergreen Commons in Holland, where she taught a Parkinson’s exercise class for many years. In 2022, she returned to Cheboygan, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law.

Joanne is survived by her children, Tammy Bradford of Cheboygan, Michigan, and her husband Paul, and their children, Aleyse Hagopian and her husband Dave, Laura Francis and her husband Joe, David and his wife Kira, and Stephen, along with four great-grandchildren; and her son, Dean Paul of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and his wife Ann, and their son Brandon. She is also survived by her niece, Kathy (Evans) Creswell, and her faithful dog, Della.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Vivian McCarthy; her husband, Harold “Frank” Paul; her sister, Marilyn Evans; and her brother-in-law, Dick Evans.

Joanne will be remembered for her deep love of family, her caring nature, and the countless lives she touched through her work as a nurse and her kindness to others.

Burial will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery in Cheboygan, and the family will hold a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chippewa County Community Foundation in honor of Mackenzie Paul, beloved wife of Brandon Paul, who courageously fought a 2.5-year battle with leukemia.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanne Kay (McCarthy) Paul, please visit our floral store.