Joan Reid Strauss

Joan Reid Strauss (née Joan Rita Simmons), of Scituate, Massachusetts, passed away on September 12, 2025. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on June 12, 1934, she was the daughter of Philip and Louise (Macarelli) Simmons. Loving mother of David Reid of Naples, FL, Stephen Reid of Quincy, MA, and Leah Strauss of Cambridge, MA. Cherished sister of Valerie Corwin of Norwell, MA, Erik Simmons of Scituate, MA, and the late Loretta Larson of Holbrook, MA. “Grammy Joan” to granddaughters Taylor, Hayley, Katherine, Kristina, and Lily; and great-grandmother to James and Junie. Beloved “Aunt Joan” to her nieces and nephews.

Joan grew up by the beach in Wollaston and graduated from North Quincy High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design from Massachusetts College of Art, and worked as an account executive for Studio Four, a graphic design firm in Boston. Later, Joan received a Master of Arts in Studio Art from the State University of New York at Albany, as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Communication.

Joan was a fine artist, with exhibitions of her work featured in invitational and juried shows across the Capital District, including at the Albany Institute for History and Art, the Mohawk-Hudson Regional Art Exhibition, the Rensselaer Council for the Arts Annual Landscape Show, Siena College, Russell Sage College, and the University Art Museum at the University at Albany. She later studied Appraisal Studies at New York University and practiced as an art appraiser. Joan lived in Albany, New York, for many years and owned a historic home on Hudson Avenue. She contributed her skills and illustrations to Capital Neighbors, a newspaper about Albany’s historic neighborhoods.

Joan was an avid reader who enjoyed visiting museums and libraries. She delighted in nature, loved to work in the garden, and took daily walks—Peggotty Beach in Scituate was a favorite. Active throughout her life, she practiced yoga and pilates. She traveled widely, visiting many countries in Europe and South America, as well as Russia and Alaska.

Above all else, Joan loved her family. She will be remembered for her talent, warmth, and determined spirit. She will be dearly missed.

A private memorial service will be held on October 5, 2025. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy.