Joan Mcfarlane

Joan Audrey McFarlane (née Gilmore) was born to Carroll Edgar “Ed” and Audrey Ella Gilmore on November 25th, 1942 at Garfield Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. As the daughter of a Navy Lieutenant in wartime, Joan lived in Maryland and Virginia, California, and Alabama to follow his military career, inspiring her lifetime of patriotism. As the granddaughter of a reverend, Joan was also a woman of faith who shared her compassion with family, her many pets, and through her philanthropy. Her passion for life was sincere and was felt deeply by those who cherished her company.

Joan led a full and satisfying life. After settling down in Boise in 1960, a highlight year for Joan was 1962. She graduated from (what was then known as) Boise Junior College and married the love of her life, James C. “Jim” McFarlane, with whom she spent 38 blessed years. She was a lifelong Bronco fan and active alumna. Joan truly ‘did it all:’ she was an independent contractor for Boise Cascade who both raised a growing family and adventured in the Idaho backcountry—setting an example of grace and independence for her two daughters.

Joan spent her last two decades in Goodyear, Arizona, where she enjoyed her retirement in the company of many friends, both new and old. In her later years, she proudly shared her memories with her granddaughter Jasmine. Although Joan’s busy life took her many places, she always remained an Idahoan at heart, and lived out her last days in McCall, Idaho before passing away of natural causes in the comfort of family in Boise on December 31st, 2021.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Ed Gilmore (1987) and Audrey Gilmore (2003), as well as her husband Jim McFarlane (2001). She is survived by her daughter Julie McFarlane-Platt (husband John Platt) of McCall, ID; her daughter Jennifer McFarlane (partner Billy Fox) of Boise, ID; her granddaughter Jasmine Platt of Boise, ID; her granddaughter Mariel Miller (husband Jason Miller) of Fort Collins, CO and her great-grandson Ansel; as well as her sister Nancy Williams (husband Frank Williams) and nephew Chris Williams (wife Leesa Williams), all of Orlando, FL.

Joan was laid to rest next to her beloved Jim at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise after a small service. Those interested in attending a celebration of life for Joan—anticipated to be held in the summer of 2022 depending on Covid—are encouraged to reach out to Julie, Jennifer, or Jasmine for details. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to a local animal shelter to continue her tradition of compassion and kindness.