Joan Enid McLaughlin Chesley

Joan Enid McLaughlin Chesley, 90, of Santa Cruz, California, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 

Joan was born on November 14, 1934, in New York City to Virginia Eileen Churchill Walsh and Raymond Joseph McLaughlin Sr. She grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and while attending Columbia University she met Gilman Delano Chesley. They married in 1958 and moved to California where they built a beautiful life and raised their daughters. 

Joan’s achievements and contributions were countless. She earned a Master of Arts from San Jose State University and was a prolific artist as a member of Gallery House in Palo Alto. Joan was also an accomplished writer, published in The New York Times and serving as an editor for Artweek magazine. For decades she was a dedicated lector at Holy Cross Catholic Church and an enthusiastic volunteer at St. Francis Soup Kitchen. She loved to sing in every capacity, and in college was a member of the a cappella group The Eight Sharps. 

Joan traveled extensively and spent a memorable year living in Ireland with her husband and children. For her selflessness, acceptance and kindness to all she was affectionately known as Saint Joan. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, friend, and community member to all who knew her. 

Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Gilman Chesley, and her daughters, Alison and Jillian. She was predeceased by her brother, Raymond McLaughlin, who passed away in August of this year, as well as her parents, Raymond Sr. and Virginia. 

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the family home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity in Joan Chesley’s name.