Joan Hacken Sainsbury passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at the age of 76, in Peachtree, Georgia after a courageous and difficult battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Born on April 9, 1948, in Sacramento, California, Joan was the middle of five children and the first daughter of Nephi “Cap” Hacken and Leola Jones Hacken. Raised in a loving home, she was instilled with the values of hard work, the pursuit of knowledge, and an unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Joan married Raymond Carter in May 1970 and had seven children, six girls and one boy. Joan attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry. She was a stay-at-home Mom who supported her family by babysitting and selling Avon. She was a devoted mother who poured her heart into nurturing her family while also pursuing her love of learning.

Her passion for teaching led her to become a beloved substitute teacher in 1984, and soon she pursued a full-time role in the classroom. With determination and the loving support of her children and parents, she returned to school, earning her Teaching Credential in 1990. She went on to teach high school physical science at Westmont High School in Campbell, CA, and later at Branham High School in San Jose, CA. Ever the lifelong learner and over-achiever, Joan later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from San Jose State University. Later, Joan was chosen to become a “Teacher in Residence” fulltime for a school year at SJSU’s teacher’s college. After returning to her high school teaching post full-time, Joan was asked to continue teaching classes in the evening at SJSU which she did until her retirement from teaching in August 2011.

In 2008, Joan found the great love of her life when she met Dan Sainsbury at a church singles activity. Their love brought her a new joy she had never known, and they were married for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple, surrounded by the love and support of their 11 combined children.

Joan was a devote member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a loyal follower of Jesus Christ. Joan served in many capacities throughout her life and found great joy and personal fulfillment in giving service and always looked for opportunities to lift the burdens of others. She knew how to roll up her sleeves and get hard work done. She held many callings throughout her life, including Relief Society Presidency member, teacher, and compassionate service leader. She truly embodied the motto, “Charity Never Faileth.” Joan also served as a Sunday School teacher, Young Women’s President, Institute of Religion teacher, and most recently, a nursery worker, where she found immense happiness caring for “her babies” every Sunday in her ward in Georgia.

Joan’s enthusiasm for life was evident in her many passions. She was wonderfully obsessed with rocks and minerals and her children remember the MANY times that she would be hiking or driving and would insist on pulling over to observe an interesting rock formation and to grab a sample for her large collection! She found peace and joy in gardening, filling her home with vibrant flowers and delicious homegrown produce and making lovely flower arrangements for friends and family. Joan loved family history and temple work. She devoted countless hours to finding her ancestors and completing saving ordinances by proxy, in the temple. Joan especially loved serving at the temple as an ordinance worker at both the Mesa and Gilbert Arizona Temples every Friday. Joan was an avid reader and had a great love of learning. She loved the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon and written words of the living prophet’s which she used as a roadmap for her life.

Joan is survived by her children, Heather Carter, Nathan Carter (Darcy), Alisha Pew (Lawrence” D”), Monique Carter, Megan Headley (Kevin), Brittany Page (Bradley), John Sainsbury (Irma), Chris Sainsbury (Kim), and Deanna Sainsbury. Joan will be missed by her eleven granddaughters and three grandsons, and four step grandchildren

Joan was reunited in heaven with her parents; her younger sister, Carolyn Hacken Dean; her brother, Robert Hacken; her beloved husband, Dan Earl Sainsbury; her dear stepson, Kevin M. Sainsbury; and her precious daughter, Amber June Carter.

Joan was a devoted mother and grandmother, a loyal wife, a gifted teacher, and a humble servant of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the countless hearts she has inspired.

We take comfort in knowing that Joan is now embraced in the arms of her Savior, reunited with her loved ones, and watching over us with the same boundless love she shared throughout her life. Until we meet again, at Jesus’ feet we will honor her memory by living with the same kindness, faith, and joy she so beautifully exemplified.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821. Joan will be interred at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA with her sweetheart and Vietnam War Veteran Dan Sainsbury. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joan’s name to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint’s Humanitarian Fund. https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.