Joan Elizabeth McBride

Joan Elizabeth (Leavitt) McBride

FEBRUARY 5, 1930 ~ JUNE 19, 2019 (AGE 89)

Joan passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at age 89. She was born in San Francisco, California on February 5, 1930, to Joseph Johns Leavitt and Anna Elizabeth Ekberg. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Ernest Leavitt. Joan is survived by her husband, Ken McBride; her children, David T. McBride (Sara), Diane "Deedee" Harris (Scott), and Debbie Chestor (Bob); six grandchildren: Sean McBride, Lauren McBride, Shane Harris (Kelliney), Cole Harris (Melissa), Robert Chestor (Deanna) and Connor Chestor (Felisha); and two great-grandchildren: Kinsley and Payton Harris.

Joan grew up in Grass Valley and Auburn, California. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1948, Placer Jr. College in 1950, and Sacramento State College (now the University of California at Sacramento) in 1952. After graduating college, Joan taught school in Hayward, California. She met Ken in 1948 while in Junior College. They were engaged in August 1952 and married December 23, 1952 in Grass Valley.

As a Navy wife, Joan traveled the world with her family, spending time in Kingsville, Texas; Corpus Christi, Texas, Quonset Point, Rhode Island; San Luis Obispo, California; Pensacola, Florida; Naples, Italy; Monterey, California, Mayport Beach, Florida; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Ken retired in 1973. In Albuquerque, Joan worked in the Appraisal Department at Albuquerque Federal, was a public representative of the NM State Podiatry Board and was active with the Civitan Club and the Lobo Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.

Joan will be fondly remembered as a loving daughter, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had a dry wit, a great sense of humor, threw great parties and made friends easily. She will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019, with a Reception to follow at:

Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010