Joan M. Pierce

The family of Joan M. Pierce (Frenette) would like to announce her life passing at St. Luke’s hospital on August 30th after a heroic several month residence at Sacred Heart Home. Joan lived a life with Jesus, her constant companion and guiding presence to everlasting life. Born in NB, she was the only child of Florian J. and Mary (Jardin) Frenette who blessed her with much love during harsh times, graduated from the old New Bedford vocational High school and received secretarial training before settling down. She married Herbert J. (predeceased 38 years to the day) and was a faithful and loving wife to him, homemaker and Loving mother with three children, and often took care of other young ones with working mothers. Devoted to spreading the word of God, she was actively involved in her church, the Full Gospel Christian Fellowship, and over the years, she served many roles, including spirited choir singer, Sunday school teacher, youth minister, credentialed altar worker and lay minister. In addition to her pastoral duties she also worked as a preschool teacher’s aide, a home health aide in the adult community, and yet found the kindness and grit to volunteer as a prison minister to female inmates at the NB city jail. She guided many people spiritually with her strong faith and gentle words of compassion.

She will be missed dearly but it brings comfort knowing she is finally at peace with Jesus and Herb by her side, waiting and watching over. She is survived by her three children, Donna M. of Marblehead, Lori J. Rizzuto and her husband Christopher of South Dartmouth and Gary J. of NB; granddaughter Gabriella; two step grandsons; goddaughter Sue Nunes; cousins, nephews and the many friends she cherished over the years. Her beautiful smile brought joy to many and her heartfelt hugs were always welcomed.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10am in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday 5-8pm. Flowers are welcome of course as her home was always filled with the colors of the jardin… but any Donation in her name to Full Gospel Christian Fellowship in NB would give her comfort.