Joan Nora Brown

Joan Nora Brown, 85, a resident of Clayton, CA, passed away April 30, 2023 with family by her side. Born in Arbuckle, CA on February 7, 1938, Joan was the daughter of the late Robert McReynolds and Anne Lowen. After moving to Oakland, CA, Joan graduated from Oakland High School and then Mt. Zion Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. Later in life, Joan attended Holy Names University and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994. As an RN, Joan worked at numerous doctors offices in Concord, ultimately working and retiring from John Muir Hospital and John Muir Home Health, caring for hospice patients.

Joan married Robert Whisten and later, the late Bruce Brown. Joan and Robert had two sons, Keith and Michael Whisten. The family grew to include Jan VandeVeegaete, Linda Bell and the late Karen Shelby. After moving to Concord, CA, Joan developed a passion for breeding, training and showing dogs. From Afghan Hounds to Miniature Schnauzers, Joan’s life was all about her dogs. A longtime member of the Mt. Diablo Training Club, Joan loved hanging out at the clubhouse working her dogs and helping with club events. On Friday’s, Joan loved coffee with the girls.

“Granny” Joan was a proud grandmother to Justin and Garrett Whisten, Tucker and Leo Whisten, Heather, Jimmy, Johnny, Lisa, Michelle and Nikki Hunter, Danielle and Ben White, Alaina Brookmyer, and Joshua Lucas. Granny was then promoted to Great Granny with the addition of Benny and Brooks Whisten, Haven Hunter, Hazel Carroll and Leo Floyd and Chloe Brookmyer.

Joan had a wry sense of humor and told new family members, “You have to be a little crazy to join this family.” Joan also had a love for anything sweet. It was not uncommon to find gallons of ice cream, boxes of cookies and bags of candy throughout the house. We didn't think it was possible to survive on sweets but Joan was proof it was.

Along with her family, Joan leaves behind brothers, Wayne Wendt and Robert McReynolds and sister Neva Youngs.

Service will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday May 9th at Oakmont Memorial Park, 2099 Reliez Valley Road in Lafayette, CA