Joan Brinton

Joan McKay Brinton passed away peacefully on February 21, 2020, in Tempe, Arizona after a prolonged illness. Joan was born September 9, 1951, in Price, Utah to Ernest and Lucille (Gold) McKay. She moved to Mesa as a young child and grew up and raised her family here.

Joan was a talented violin player, singer and musician. She loved playing her violin and the piano for her family and others. Joan also loved to perform in plays and musicals, and was involved in theater at Mesa Little Theater, Mesa Musical Theater and MCC Summer Theater for many years. She was also a gifted seamstress and loved to make formal dresses and wedding dresses for her daughters and others. She was also a talented scrapbook artist, and had spent many hours creating beautiful visual family histories for her children and extended family. Joan loved to see her children and grandchildren perform in choir, orchestra, band, or on stage. She rarely missed a performance. She also enjoyed singing and loved all good music.

Joan attended Mesa Public Schools and graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 1969. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Joan was a dedicated first and second grade teacher at Mesa Public Schools, Murphy Elementary School in Phoenix and Boulder Creek Elementary School in Gilbert for 19. Joan was also fluent in Spanish and was an ESL teacher to many children over the years. She loved teaching children to read, and loved to see her students succeed.

Joan was a life-long, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She met her husband Dil Jr at the Mesa Community College Institute where they were in charge of the young adult activities for several years. They were married in the Mesa Temple on June 6, 1972. Joan also served in many callings including callings in the Relief Society, Primary and MIA. Her favorite calling was playing the piano in the Primary and being a primary teacher with her husband.

Joan is survived by her husband Dilworth Jr.; children Joyce (Joseph) Anderson, Los Alamos, NM; Marie (Matthew) Porter, Chandler, AZ; Dilworth Ernest, Mesa, AZ; and James M, Arlington VA. Grandchildren are: Melanie, Meredith, McKay and Maxwell Porter, and James, Jeffrey and Janey Anderson; Her siblings are: Jeanne (Nelson) Boren, Cameron (Cindy) McKay, Ernest (Elizabeth) McKay, Robert (Antonia) McKay, and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all who have served Joan over the years, including friends, relatives, ministering sisters and visiting teachers in Forest Ward and Mesa Central Stake. We are also thankful for the dedicated care Joan received at Banner Desert Hospital from the staff of the ICU and also from Hospice of the Valley.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 27 and one hour prior to services at Forest Ward 1345 E. University, Mesa, AZ. Funeral service will be held at the Forest Ward 1345 E. University, Mesa AZ at 10 a.m. on Feb. 28. 2020. Interment will be at Mesa City Cemetery.