Obituary of Joan May

Joan Delores May peacefully passed away on Friday, November 20, 2009 at her home in Washougal with her family by her side. Born on August 9, 1929 in Fordyce, Nebraska to Dr. Henry and Hyacinth Hans, Joan was 80 years old. A Washougal resident since 1974, Joan was an active volunteer for numerous charities and organizations in the Camas-Washougal area. She was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Camas, the Catholic Daughters and the Aquinas Guild. She sang and led the congregation in music and also sang in the Christmas Choir at the church. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #122, the Seattle Children's Hospital Guild, and a volunteer for the Camas-Washougal Interfaith Treasure House, and former dance instructor for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio where she met her husband James. Joan enjoyed gardening, traveling, and dancing. Most of all, Joan will be remembered for the love she had for her family and her Lord. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, James R. May II, sons James R. May III and Hans J. May, daughters Angela R. Barcus, and April A. May, sisters Charrol (Ted) Fuller of Washougal, Charla Shindler of Milwaukie, OR, and Severn Jones of North Bend, OR, brothers Richard Hans of Portland, and Warren Hans of Salem, seven grandchildren, and great-grandchild Paityn Barcus. There will be a Funeral Mass for Joan on Saturday, November 28th at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Camas with reception to follow. Viewing will be held on Friday, November 27th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Brown's Funeral Home in Camas. Memorials in Joan's honor may be sent to Seattle Children's Hospital: PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.