Joan Emma (Liebno) McFarland, 89, of New Oxford and formerly of Catonsville, MD, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Brethren Home Community, New Oxford.  She was the loving wife of C. Victor McFarland who died August 8, 2016.

Born October 27, 1933 in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Milton Philip and Emma E. (Herr) Liebno.

Raised in a loving family in Hebbville MD during the great depression and WW2, like so many, she never had any extra, but her hardworking parents ably provided all that was really needed. She was fond of telling stories of growing up with her sister Delores during those days, when life was less complicated. She liked meeting people and selling vegetables at the stand they had in front of the house. Getting eggs out from under the hens was the chore that she hated the most (she had too much sympathy for the hens). Joan graduated from Catonsville High School in 1951. In 1952 she married Vic McFarland from nearby Randallstown, whom she met at a youth dance when she was in high school. Their marriage was destined to last until his passing 64 years later.

Joan and Vic made their home in Woodlawn and then Catonsville where Vic practiced law. She worked as a secretary before becoming a full-time mom when her children were born. Joan, Vic and the kids enjoyed some of their best times during the annual vacations to Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City or Lost River WV with the Sheeler and McFarland families. When the kids were older, she worked again as a secretary, this time at her husband's legal practice. In their golden years Joan and Vic enjoyed their four grandchildren, often helping to care for them when they were young. They were blessed with five great grandchildren.

Joan and Vic were long time members of the Catonsville United Methodist Church.

Joan was famous in the family for her delicious home cooked meals and desserts (like the pumpkin bread that she baked in coffee cans). When she had the time, she enjoyed crocheting, which she continued long into her elder years, crocheting beautiful comforters that she donated to cancer and hospice centers.

Joan McFarland will be remembered by those that knew and loved her for her beautiful smile, her sincerity, her sympathetic ear and her endless kindness and grace.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie M. Ramsburg (Lee), Gettysburg, PA, Barry McFarland (Deb), Avilton, MD and Brian McFarland (Michele), Catonsville, MD; sister, Delores Sheeler, Carroll County, MD; grandchildren, Laura Dembeck (Christopher), Catonsville, MD, Daniel Burgess (Ashley), Richmond, VA, Chloe McFarland, Catonsville, MD and Liam McFarland, Catonsville, MD and great grandchildren, Ava Dembeck, Samuel Dembeck, Charlotte Dembeck, Kate Burgess and Emily Burgess.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Please send donations to Catonsville United Methodist Church, 6 Melvin Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228.

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