Joan Carolyn Furman

Joan Carolyn (Schawe) Furman

June 17, 1935 to September 25, 2023

Joan Carolyn Furman passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023.

  Joan was born on June 17, 1935, to Leonard and Florence Schawe. She attended school in Coalinga, growing up on a Standard Oil Lease. She married Harry Furman on September 12, 1953, and together they raised six beautiful children.

  In 1966, she went to work for Safeway in Taft.  She was known to greet her customers with her beautiful smile and kind heart. In 1987 she transferred to Von’s in Bakersfield where she continued to make friends with her customers and fellow employees, always lending an ear. During her years with Von’s, she also helped to care for and lovingly raise some of her grandchildren.

  Joan retired from Von’s on July 17, 2002, and spent her retirement with her family. Family meant everything to her. She loved cooking, watching football games, and taking trips to the Kon Tiki Inn in Pismo Beach.

  Joan was a devout Catholic who spent every morning reading her devotionals and praying. Once she became bedridden and could no longer attend Sunday mass, she continued to watch mass on tv.

  Joan was preceded in death by her sister Patricia Buynese in June of 2020, and grandson Steven “Beefy” Aguirre in September 2023.

  She is survived by her sisters Susan Ricca of Coos Bay, OR, JeanAnn Schawe of Clovis, CA, and Eileen (Cuco) Riofrio of Clovis, CA. She will also be missed dearly by her children Cathy Miller of Taft, Wade (Cindy) Furman of Taft, Mike (Misty) Furman of Bakersfield, John (Jana) Furman of Bakersfield, Christy Gant of Taft, and Cynthia (Robert) Aguirre of Taft. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

  Joan was the epitome of a matriarch with a large family, yet always having enough to offer whether it was food, love or prayers for each family member.

  Joan spent her last few days at the Hoffmann Hospice Home where she enjoyed the compassion, love, and kindness of family, friends, and staff.

  Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Erickson and Brown Funeral Home in Taft. Graveside service will be held on October 17, 2023 at 10:00 am at West Side Cemetery in Taft.

  Flowers were very special to Joan. However, if you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers you can make it to Feed America at www.feedingamerica.org   or Hoffmann Hospice at  www.hoffmannhospice.org.

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