Joan C. Graves

Joan C. Graves, 89, of Fairhaven, entered into the presence of heaven after a short illness surrounded by family on Saturday, September 23, 2023. She was married to her high school sweetheart, the late George R. Graves with whom they shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph and Paula (Vercammen) Crompton. She was a lifelong Fairhaven resident and a graduate of Fairhaven High School, class of 1951.

Joan was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She and George loved traveling and made friends wherever they went. Many adventures were in their motorhome, which Joan loved to drive.

Joan loved spending summers at her cottage on Wilbur Point where she was always entertaining family and friends. In her younger years at the cottage, she shucked scallops and quahogs, worked renting boats and outboard motors while taking care of her young children. She could back up a boat trailer better than anyone else. She and George owned many boats over the years and enjoyed being out on Buzzards Bay.

Joan was known for her gift of hospitality. She hosted meals with friends including annual parties for her high school classmates, who referred to themselves as the “Golden Girls”. She was always there for anyone in need, whether it be providing a meal, a listening ear, or offering support for people going through difficult times.

In 1984, Joan and George founded the Nemasket Group for their son David and others with developmental disabilities. In 1985, they received the Distinguished Citizens Award at the State House in Boston for their work associated with the Nemasket Group.

Joan was an active member of Cornerstone Community Church in Lakeville for over 40 years, where she served as a Deaconess. She taught Sunday school and provided rides to those who needed one.

She is survived by her children, G. Robert Graves, Jr. and wife Caitie of Sandwich, Lee Ann Wood of Fairhaven, Nancy J. Foley of Lititz, PA, Philip F. Graves and wife Sheri of Mt. Joy, PA and John W. Graves and wife Mary of N. Easton; her sisters-in-law, Carol Crompton of Fairhaven and Betty Graves of Maine; seventeen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late David Graves and sister of the late William Crompton.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sippican Health Care Center for their wonderful care and compassion.

In accordance with her wishes, Joan will be cremated and visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 4-7pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven. Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10am at Cornerstone Community Church, 111 Highland Rd., in Lakeville. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Century House, 107 S. Main St., in Acushnet. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nemasket Group, 109 Fairhaven Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

For online tributes, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com.