Joan Carol Moran

Joan Carol Moran, 77, passed away June 19, 2016. She resided in Rancho Mirage, CA at the time of her passing. She is survived by her sisters Barbara Fretheim Richards and Loretta Woolley, and her three sons, Scott, Shawn, and Steven. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews, three daughters-in-law, her first husband, and numerous caring friends.

Joan was born September 19, 1938 in Barlow, Kentucky as Joan Carol Martin, daughter of Laverne Rust Martin and Fredrick Martin. The Martin family moved to Long Beach, California during the war years. She attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School. In 1955, she married her childhood sweetheart, Edwin Earl Organ. Ed and Joan lived briefly in Hawaii while he was stationed in Pearl Harbor. The Organs moved back to Long Beach in 1957 and lived in Lakewood and later, in Garden Grove.

While she raised her sons, Joan was a Cub Scout den mother, a church secretary, a PTA president, and a copy editor with the PennySaver magazine. Following her divorce in 1975, Joan married Dallas J. Moran in 1980. Together they started a nail care manufacturing company in Westminster and lived in Huntington Harbour. The business was successful for about eight years. In 1990, Joan moved to Palm Springs to set up a nail salon, but eventually found work at the Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage. She became the personal manicurist for retired President Gerald Ford until his death in 2006. Joan retired in 2007.

Raised as a traditional Christian, Joan was a member of the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) for most of her adult life and found spiritual wisdom from a variety of ancient and esoteric traditions. She loved astrology and fortune telling. She had a knack for collecting antiques and oddities from the past. She was a romantic, and loved old films, especially those of the 1930s and 40s. Joan was an independent Republican and passionate about conservative causes.

Joan will be remembered for being fun-loving and having a joyfully, optimistic view of life. She lived life to the fullest and according to her own rules. She was cherished by all her family. She will be missed greatly.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA. A memorial service will be held in the Orange County area in September.