Joan Melissa Provost

Born in Worcester, MA, on April 6, 1946 to Helen and Fred Scales, Joan had three siblings: sister, Kathy Faucher and brothers, Walter and James Scales. She inherited many of her mom’s most inspiring traits: strength, independence, and a deep love of family.

She met husband and love of her life, Roland, while working at Morgan Construction Co. They settled in Jefferson, MA, where they raised their two headstrong daughters, Kara and Jill, her cherished stepchildren Roland and Dawn, and several lovable pet dogs along the way. There, she maintained a prolific vegetable and flower garden and developed her lifelong passion for walking, with daily treks to Trout Brook. During that time, Joan also put herself through college while she and Rolly worked full-time.

Joan graduated summa cum laude from Assumption College in 1994 with a Bachelor’s in accounting. Later, she worked as the business administrator for the Westborough, MA, DPW, until she retired in 2011.

Once retired, Joan and Rolly relocated to the quaint beachside town of Southport, NC. There, Joan became a beloved fixture in her community, and could always be seen chatting with neighbors on her 4-mile morning walks. She took up mahjong, belonged to book clubs, led the Palmetto Creek landscaping committee, and volunteered at St. Peter Lutheran Church. She and Rolly enjoyed dining out, especially at Provision Company in Holden Beach.

Avid world travelers in their retirement, Joan and Rolly enjoyed several trips each year -- from Iceland and Ireland to Morocco, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and the French Polynesian island of Moʻorea.

Joan will be remembered for her easy laugh and mischievous ways, stylish dressing, her beautifully designed home, and her deep devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Roland; brother, Jim Scales (Yuki) of Raleigh, NC; daughters, Kara Morrell (Michael) of Holiday, FL, and Jill Provost (Ryan McDonough) of Long Beach, CA; stepson, Roland K. Provost (Margo Rudzinski) of Watervliet, NY; stepdaughter Dawn Lidstone of Westfield, MA; grandchildren, Ashlyn and Kyla Morrell, Wylie McDonough, Nickii Provost, Dan (Andrea) and Sterling Drake, and Amber (Ruda) Fabiano; and great grandchildren Alycia, Chloe, Axel and Logan. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathy Faucher; and her brother, Walter Scales.

A Funeral Service and reception will be held on Joan’s birthday, Monday, April 6th at 11am at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport-Supply Road SE in Southport, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church.