Joan Marie Mahaney, 84, of Otis, CO passed away on September 2, 2023 at the Banner North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, CO surrounded by her family.

Joan was born on June 21, 1939 in Otis, Colorado to Thomas Lincoln and Gladys Velma (Shannon) Harlow. Joan was born on the family farm north of Otis and was the first born of a set of twins. She was the third child in a family of five children born to Tom and Gladys.

The Harlow family lived and worked on the family farm north of Otis during Joan's early years. The family eventually moved into town while still making their daily trips to the farm. She worked along with her parents, brother and sister tending to their daily farm chores. Life on the farm kept them busy with tending to the crops and taking care of the animals that lived on the farm. Joan could often be found doing chores inside the house to keep the household running.

Joan attended the elementary school and high school in Otis. Joan was active in school activities such as being a drum majorette. She sang soprano in the First Presbyterian Church choir. She graduated from Otis High School.

Joan married Kenneth D Mahaney in Otis on August 28, 1960. They lived for a time in Otis, Platner, Sterling and McCook, Nebraska. Joan and Ken became parents to Rhonda and Kevin. The family eventually settled in the Denver area and did live in Newport News, Virginia for a short time due to a job transfer for Ken. The family was happy to leave Virginia and move back to their home state of Colorado. Joan and Ken divorced in 1985. Joan went on to become self employed by establishing her own house cleaning service. She enjoyed what she did and took great pride in her work. Joan enjoyed listening to country music and she enjoyed taking her afternoon walks. She enjoyed taking care of her children and grandchildren. Joan lived in Otis at the time of her passing.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Gladys Harlow, her infant twin sister, Valie J. Harlow, her infant older brother, Wyman Harlow, son-in- law, James D Elges, half-brother Glenn Harlow, brother-in-law Charles Miller and nephew Charles (Trey) Miller Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Elges of Littleton, CO, son, Kevin Mahaney of Otis, CO. Grandchildren, CJ (Brittney) Elges of Peyton, CO, Justin (Tiffany) Elges of Fort Lupton, CO and Caitlin Elges of Littleton, CO, Great grandchildren, James, Judah and Damian. She is also survived by her older sister, Joyce Miller of Fort Worth, TX and younger brother Tom Harlow Jr. (Kathy) of Lakewood, CO and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Friday, September 8, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Otis.  Interment followed at the Otis Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.