Raised in New Bedford, Joanne was a graduate of New Bedford High School. She later made her home in Acushnet, where she lived for the past 60 years.
For 33 years, Joanne served as Cafeteria Manager at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, a role she carried with reliability and care until her retirement.
Joanne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Eugene J. Surprenant, who passed away in 2021. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, finding her greatest joy in their company and the moments they shared together.
Joanne also found comfort and happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the beach and ocean, and as a devoted sun worshipper, she was never more content than when surrounded by sea air and open sky. She enjoyed traveling, including trips to Aruba, and she took equal pleasure in quieter pastimes—reading and knitting—pursuits that reflected her calm spirit and thoughtful nature.
She is survived by her son, David Deneault and his wife Monique; and her daughter, Paula Ruscik and her husband Steven. She is also survived by her siblings, James Kershaw and his wife Patricia; Geraldine Kuss and her husband Mark; and Steven Vaughan and his wife Deborah. She was predeceased by her sister, Charlotte Cathcart.
Joanne is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandon Deneault and his wife Lindsey; Zachary Ruscik; Amber Ruscik; Courtney Deneault and significant other, Brian; and by eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 10:00 am in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Visitation will be in church prior to the Mass from 9:15 am - 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne's memory can be made to Southcoast Health at Home, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
