1932 - 2026
Joan’s greatest happiness in life was her family. She is survived by her daughter Beth and her husband Kevin Kelly; her grandchildren Melissa, Steven, Kevin (Jen), Brian, and Jason; and her great-grandchildren Samantha, Jacoby, Kaiden, Rylan, and Maeve. She is also survived by her nephews Tom (Paul) and Richard (Madeline), her niece Kate (Kaylon), and her great-nephews Matthew (Heather) and Daniel. Joan was predeceased by her husband Jerry, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage; her daughter Linda; her son Steven; and her sister Jean. She also leaves behind her devoted companion of 26 years, William “Billie” Cunningham, along with extended family and many dear friends.
Born and raised in Cohoes, New York, Joan went on to earn her RN degree from Union University in Schenectady. She began her nursing career with the Visiting Nurse Association in Troy, New York, before relocating to the Boston area in 1954. Joan dedicated 50 years of service to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital (formerly Glover Memorial Hospital) in Needham. Her dream of owning a log home ultimately brought her to Mendon, Massachusetts.
Joan had many passions and lived life to the fullest. She was a talented rug braider, creating handmade rugs for her home and as cherished gifts for loved ones. She enjoyed ice skating, often gliding arm-in-arm with Jerry on racer skates. Joan was also a Girl Scout troop leader and an avid camper, with many treasured memories made at White Lake State Park in New Hampshire.
A passionate motorcycling enthusiast, Joan rode over 100,000 miles across North America, traveling from Alaska to Labrador, San Francisco to Key West, and throughout Canada. She and Billie shared many adventures together, including wintering in Florida and enjoying the beauty and activity around Lake Nipmuc.
In retirement, Joan continued to give back to her community as a volunteer with Milford Regional Hospital and Meals on Wheels. She was also instrumental in helping to establish the Lake Nipmuc Association. She enjoyed playing cards and Mahjong at the Senior Center and was a life member of HOG, NRA, and AMA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 17 Congress Street in Milford. Memorial donations may be made by check to the Lake Nipmuc Association, located at the P.O. Box 159
in Mendon.
