Esther Joan Vasquez Obituary Esther Joan (Alvarado) Vasquez Esther Joan Vasquez, 90, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away on June 23, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family. Esther, who was known affectionately to many as "Joanie" and "Joan", was born on January 27,1934, to Esther (Alva) and Pedro Alvarado in Billings, Montana. She was raised with her nine siblings in Worland, Wyoming. Joan graduated high school from Canyonville bible Academy in Canyonville, Oregon, and then moved to Idaho. In 1953, Joan met Abel Vasquez, who had just returned from Korea, and they were married in June the following year. They made their life in Nampa and had three children, Rachel, Andrew, and Joseph. Joan and Abel were very involved in their local church and in sports activities for their sons. Joan attended Mercy Hospitals Misericordia Hall in Nampa in 1964 and became a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She provided nursing care in the Treasure Valley for many years in a variety of settings including Mercy Hospital, Mercy Home Health (as one of the first nurses in Mercys home health department), and at the Idaho State School and Hospital. Joan often worked as an English-Spanish translator for families and other medical personnel. She also spent many years providing nursing care for patients during their last years or months of life, whos families often became lasting friends. Abel passed away in 2001. Joan later married Gary Carpenter in 2006. They lived in Nampa, traveling often to Yuma, Arizona until his death in 2019. Joan enjoyed volunteering and gave of her time and skills in the Nampa area for many years. She spent time regularly at her churchs care house helping to provide household items for people in the community. She offered her skills in translating letters, documents, and conversations in English and Spanish. She was also very involved in activities and supportive of her husband Abel during his time as a Canyon County Commissioner. Joan loved meeting new people, visiting with others, and hosting gatherings at her home. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Her home was always filled with family and friends and Mexican food. Joan was preceded in death by her parents Esther husband Abel Vasquez; husband Gary Carpenter; siblings & spouses Lawrence (Margaret), David (Ida), Sam, Joseph, Alejandra/Denna, and Elia; and great granddaughter Ellen. Joan is survived by her children Rachel Vasquez (Judy), Andrew (Emma)Vasquez, Joseph (Cecilia)Vasquez; siblings and spouses Bernie, Daniel, Elias (Maria), MaryAnn, Mary; grandchildren Katie, Luke, Beth, Sarah, Michael, Abel, Leon, Nathaniel; and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many extended family members who will miss her laughter and welcoming ways. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rachel for caring for Joan during the last few years, and recently to Beth for her care. Services will be held at Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel at 1:00 pm, on Monday, July 1, 2024, with a graveside service to follow at Kohlerlawn Cemetery. There will be a viewing at Nampa Funeral Home on Sunday, June 30 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. An online guest book and full obituary is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com Services Visitation Sunday June 30, 2024 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651 Funeral Service Monday July 1, 2024 1:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651 Interment following funeral service Monday July 1, 2024 Kohlerlawn Cemetery 76 6th Street North Nampa, Idaho 83687