Joan F. Zenofsky, passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on July 13, 2023, after a long fight with ovarian cancer. She was the daughter of the late Shirley and Albert Katzman. Born December 11, 1949. She was raised in Providence and Portsmouth RI. Joan leaves her beloved husband of 53 years Joel, daughters Rachel Zenofsky (Bouchard), husband Sylvain, Lisa Zenofsky (Doherty), husband Brian, granddaughters Sophie (17) and Emilie (15) Bouchard and her brothers Mark, and Lenny Katzman, wife Jodi. Joan lived in Boynton Beach FL in the winter and West Newbury MA in the summer.
She graduated from North Adams State College with a degree in education and later completed a Master’s in education at University of Lowell. Joan started her teaching career as a high school English teacher and over the years did her best to enlighten countless students. Joan’s passion for both literature and performing arts led her teaching career to include embedding music and drama in her classroom, often bringing her guitar to school to use music and lyrics to build a love of words and language in her students. She spent the second half of her career teaching 7th grade English working for 20 years in Andover, MA. As a middle school teacher, Joan furthered her love of drama and music by running the school theater program for many years putting together a variety of student performances throughout the school year as well as directing the yearly school musical with creativity and exuberance.
After retirement, her love of music and performing continued as she helped direct and perform in cabaret shows in her community.
Joan was never very athletic, but in retirement, she enjoyed tennis and golf for the social aspects. Cards with her girlfriends was also a pleasant pass time as she never took the games to seriously.
Her zest for life and desire to ensure the happiness of those around her created an aura of joy wherever she went. Joan always had a smile on her face and loved everyone and was loved back by all her family and friends. Friends have said, “I will always remember her smile and warmth”, “One of the nicest people I have ever known”, “Such a gorgeous smile and infectious laugh”. She will be greatly missed and the song of her voice will forever remain in the hearts of her loved ones.
Funeral service will be held at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel in Salem, MA. On July 16, 2023, at 11:00AM.
Please make donations to the Dana Farber’s “Jimmy Fund” for Ovarian cancer research in lieu of flowers
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com for the Zenofsky family.
