Joan M. Kiernan

Joan M. Kiernan, 73, died Dec. 1, 2012, at her home in Wasilla.

A service is at 2 p.m., Dec. 15 at Valley Funeral Home. Chaplin Brenda Nagunst will officiate. Her ashes will be spread at one of her favorite riding trails.

Joan was born April 27, 1939, in Camden, N.Y., to Alton and Helen Kiernan. Joan graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work and sociology. She moved to Anchorage in October 1974 and lived there until 1980; Chugiak from 1980 to 1986; and Wasilla from 1986 to her passing.

Joan worked for the state Division of Family and Youth Services from 1975-1986, Our Lady of Compassion from 1986-1990, 7-11 KGB road from 1990-1995 and Knik Kountry Liquor from 1995 to retirement in 2011. She was a member of the Methodist church and enjoyed horses, raising Belgian and German shepherds, camping, fishing, traveling and exploring Alaska.

The family wrote, “Joan had two main passions — first was people, second was her love for animals of all kinds. Joan was known to go above and beyond to help. She, more than once, had given her last few dollars to help someone who she thought needed it more. Joan was an avid adventurer. What most people talk about doing or dreamt about, Joan did.”

Surviving are her brother, William (Lana) Kiernan of Chugiak; best friend, Sandie Bridges of Wasilla; brother, Raymond Kiernan of Phoenix, Ariz.; nieces, Angela Drury of Anchorage and Christine Pfeiffer of Tucson, Ariz.; nephews, Donald Ray Kiernan of Phoenix, Ariz. and David Kiernan of Anchorage; and niece, Suzan Soils of Anchorage.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Alton and Helen Kiernan; and brothers, Alan Kiernan and Jerry Kiernan.

Memorial donations may be sent to animal shelters.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home. An obituary and guestbook are online at alaskanfuneral.com.