Joan W Caefer

Joan W Caefer passed away peacefully at Liberty Commons on July 13, 2025. Born in 1923 Joan was 101 years old, less than 2 months shy of turning 102. Four months earlier her devoted husband Raymond Caefer passed away. She is survived by William (Skip) Fitzpatrick, his wife Dianne, and their daughters and grandson Amanda, Elizabeth, and Beckham.

Over the many years, Joan led a rich and varied life. Growing up in West Roxbury, she graduated with degrees in Art and later Counseling from Boston University. She went on to teach painting at Acton High School and also at the college level.

She then became a a guidance counselor at Wellesley High School where for years she helped young people achieve their academic goals.

Joan was an avid skier in both New England and in Europe, and she traveled extensively in Europe while pursuing a serious interest in painting and print making, specifically monotypes. There exist today examples of her work at the DeCordova museum in Lincoln, MA and at the Provincetown Art Gallery. She received many awards for her artwork and was featured in many galleries and exhibitions. She previously served as president of the Printmakers of Cape Cod, was on the board of both the Chatham Cultural Center and the Creative Arts Center of Chatham.

She and her husband Ray enjoyed sailing and boating for many years in waters around Chatham, MA and up and down the East Coast and Caribbean. She loved living at Stage Harbor for four decades where she had a studio and home and a close community of friends.

Announcement of a memorial service will be upcoming