Joy Diane McCarthy-Sessing, 76, passed away on Jan. 17, 2024.
She was born on Aug. 15, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Bernice Elizabeth Halverson and LeRoy Melvin Hebert. She grew up in Robbinsdale, Minn., and graduated from Robbinsdale High School with the class of 1965.
Joy was united in marriage with John Sessing on Aug. 30, 1997. The couple shared 26 wonderful years together: enjoying travels, following the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. After retiring, John and Joy enjoyed extended winter vacationing in Fort Morgan/Gulf Shores, Ala., area.
She was an accomplished, remarkable woman with an impressive career history. Joy started as a certified economic developer (CEcD) (University of Oklahoma, 1985) which led her to help in these roles: executive director for the Morgan County Economic Development in Mooresville, executive director for the Kosciusko County Economic Development in Warsaw, executive director for the Warsaw Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw and assistant director for the Industrial Development Division for the Indiana Department of Commerce.
Beyond her achievements, Joy’s personality will be remembered by many as friendly, professional, caring, driven, dedicated and quick-witted. One friend commented recently, “Once you’re a friend of Joy’s, you’re a lifetime friend.”
Joy was a huge Dolly Parton fan. Involved in many, here are a few clubs/activities she was part of: Warsaw Rotary, Purdue Extension Homemakers, various book clubs and a craft club that made personal handmade greeting cards. She shared many fond memories of each club activity. Joy always treasured gatherings and was excited about her special “Girls Party” each year. She was extremely passionate and dedicated to Operation Read for literacy based in Kosciusko County, where she served as board treasurer/secretary. Joy was a dog lover and had two Maltese dogs who brought her much happiness in the past: Tatum and Izzy.
In addition to her many cherished friends, Joy will be missed by her husband, John Sessing, of Winona Lake; and their sons, Tim (Delilah) Sessing, of Ashton, Md.; and Kyle Sessing, of Warsaw; grandson, Tim Sessing II, of Ashton, Md.; brother Greg (Karen) Hebert, of Kingman, Ariz.; and her dear childhood friend and “sister,” Dolly (Don) Masterson, of Andover, Minn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Terrence Hebert; and precious dogs, Tatum and Izzy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw. A service will begin at 1 p.m. with Ken Locke officiating.
Joy will be laid to rest in Barron, Wis., alongside her mother, Bernice during a private family gathering.
In lieu of flowers, plants or gifts, please consider donating in Joy’s memory to: Animal Welfare League, 1048 S. 325 E., Pierceton, IN 46562; Operation Read, Inc., P.O. Box 796, Warsaw, IN 46581; or the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1257, Warsaw, IN 46581.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.