Mildred Joan Lane

She was a 1955 graduate of Gloucester High School. For more than 40 years Joan and her mother (Flo & Jo Antiques) were known on the North Shore for being reputable Antique Dealers. There was nothing she loved more than finding a house full of treasures. She moved to Arizona full time in 2019 to be close to her daughter and escape the east coast winters. She was a devout Jehovah Witness Since the loss of her son Kevin. She loved throwing theme parties at her home in Arizona and her Sunday night Pinochle gatherings with up to 12 people. Joan was the light of every gathering making everyone feel special, loved and hearing the laughter from the games she had organized (of course with prizes). Joan was known for her bigger than life personality and the comedian in the crowd. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends both in Massachusetts and Arizona.

Joan is survived by her daughter Sandra (Ethel) Botta of Arizona and her son David Lane and wife Darlene of Hamilton. Her beloved grandson Christopher Botta, his fiancé Caroline Veltman and soon to be born in September, great granddaughter, Sofia Renate Joan Botta. Joan was so excited about the upcoming thought of being a GREAT (yes, she said she was the GREAT) grandmother to Sofia. Her beloved granddaughter Emily Lane of Dallas, TX, Abigail Lane of Burlington, VA and grandson Nichols Lane of Cambridge, MA. She cherished her memories of taking them to Friendly's and CVS when they were young which always put a smile on her face. Joan also leaves behind her sister Harriet LoPiccolo, brother Ronald Merchant and sister-in-law Donna Merchant all of Gloucester as well as many nieces and nephews who have such fond memories of their Aunt Joan growing up.

Joan was predeceased by her beloved son Kevin Lane in 1977 due to a tragic train accident. Joan carried this heartache of losing her son until her last breath. Her beloved mother Florence Merchant, father Hugh Merchant, brother Hugh Merchant and sister Patricia Dinkin, brother-in-law Robert LoPiccolo as well as her great nephew JJ Nicastro.

Joan will be buried in Gloucester, Ma to be close to her mother. There will be a graveside service at Beechbrook Cemetery, Monday August 4th at 10am.