Joan V. Rioux French Cook

On November 12, 2015, Joan Violet French-Cook of Portland passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer. In the past month, Joan’s health declined rapidly and her family was able to fulfill her wish by caring for her at home. She was cared for by her son Marty, his wife Mary, her sister Audrey and her granddaughter Leanne. Joan was a strong, kind women with a wonderful sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye. Her strength and character will never be forgotten; she showed courage even through life’s most difficult challenges.

She was born in Portland on May 20, 1944 to parent Alfred and Alma Larou Rioux. Joan was one of eleven siblings and a twin; she had 8 sisters and 3 brothers. Her family lived in a small community on Peaks Island and she had a very happy childhood. She attended Portland High School. In 1967, she married Leman French and had two children, Leanne Renee and Martin Edward. In 1985 she was widowed, left to raise and support her two children alone. This is when her inner strength and perseverance shined. Joan’s courage as a single mother helped her find employment at Xpress Copy, a printing company where she worked for 22 years. This enabled her to buy a house where she lived out the rest of her days. She was very proud of this accomplishment and took great pride in her home.

Joan remarried in 1990 to a man named Leroy Cook. Together they were able to share the joys of being grandparents to a grandson Edward Stewart, son of Leanne. Joan’s true calling was to be a devoted mother, grandmother and wife. Her greatest loves were he grandchildren, Edward Stewart and Leanne French. Both grandchildren resided with her at times and brought so much joy and sunshine to her life.

Joan again was widowed in 2002, besides her husband’s she was predeceased by her parents, daughter Leanne R. Stewart, sisters: Jean Kosciw, Maria Ragucci, Barbara Souza, Alma McDonough, James McDonough, and sister in law Faye Rioux.

Joan is survived by her son Marty E. French, his wife Mary K French, their daughter Leanne D. French, grandson Edward A. Stewart, brother: Richard Rioux, Donald Rioux, and wife Marie; sisters: Audrey Bryant and husband Peter, Florence Griffin and husband Erhard, Shirley Michaud & husband Maurice, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joan’s family would like express their gratitude to Hospice of Maine for their support during the last couple of weeks and a very special thank you to their Aunt Audrey for being there every day. It was Joan’s wish that family and friends would gather together to celebrate her life with laughter and fond memories of all the good times that was spent with her through her years.

For further information and to send a tribute in memory of Joan please visit her website at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday November 17, 2015 from 4 – 6pm at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, services to begin at 6pm with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough ME 04074.