Joan "Joanie" Esther Goldberg

Joan “ Joanie” (Smith) Goldberg, 81, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Framingham, Massachusetts, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She had been a resident at the Branches of Framingham since 2020. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Joan brought warmth and joy to every room she entered.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband William “Bill” Goldberg of 59 years; her daughter Staci Rogers; her son Jonathan Goldberg and his wife Kristen; her four adoring grandchildren: Sydney Rogers, Rachel Rogers, Shoshanna (“Shoshi”) Goldberg, and Ilan Goldberg; and her loving sisters Ileen Cohen and Judy Lebow as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Harry and Rachel Smith and by her son Jeffrey Goldberg.

Born on December 8, 1943, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Joan was the daughter of Harry and Rachel Smith. She pursued her passion for education at the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education creating a foundation that would shape her lifelong dedication to nurturing young minds.

For nearly three decades, Joan devoted herself to teaching at The Nursery School at Temple Beth Am. Her classroom was a place of creativity and care, where she delighted in guiding children through their earliest learning experiences. She took particular pride in surprising her students and their parents with “My Toddler Year” books—cherished keepsakes filled with songs, art projects, and memories that reflected her deep commitment to early childhood education.

In her later years, Joan found a second home working at American Girl. Her love for dolls and storytelling made her a natural fit there; she could talk to anyone about anything, especially if it involved American Girl, the Red Sox, teddy bears, chocolate or ice cream. Her enthusiasm was infectious and her conversations often left others smiling.

Joan’s warmth extended far beyond the classroom or workplace. She was known for her generous hospitality during holiday gatherings, always preparing enough food as if expecting a crowd to walk through the door at any moment. Baking was one of her greatest joys; she loved sharing this passion with her grandchildren and passing down treasured family recipes that will continue to be baked with love for generations.

Besides spending time with her family, she cherished time spent at the beach and made annual summer trips to Falmouth, a beloved tradition. Whether at the beaches on the Cape or enjoying the sun in Florida and Hawaii, Joan found peace and happiness near the ocean.

Joan’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, with kindness in every conversation, creativity in every classroom project, and love in every batch of cookies or kichel shared with family. May her memory be a blessing for all who knew her.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA, on August 26, 2025, at 11:45 AM.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Staci Rogers following the service until 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with minyan at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Joan’s memory to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (www.cureALZ.org) or Pinky Swear Foundation (www.pinkyswear.org).