Joan Garneau

On Friday, January 29th, 2021, Joan Garneau, 85, prominent social butterfly and fun-loving matriarch of the Garneau family, departed this earth and her sunny Florida home to return to perfect health and the long-missed company of her late husband and loved ones

Joan was born in Lowell, MA, on December 26th, 1935, to John James & Lillian Catherine (Quinn) Haley. She was raised, educated, and married in Lowell, where she spent most of her life. Joan worked at Raytheon for several years, followed by a rewarding career as a home health aide. Her compassion continued to shine years after retirement through volunteer work in the community.

Joan and her beloved husband Raymond J. “Ray” Garneau celebrated 52 years of marriage before his passing in 2008. Over the years, Joan and Ray frequented several clubs such as the American Legion, VFW and LMBC. They were familiar fixtures at the Passe Temps Club, where Joan organized and contributed her time to numerous events, such as the Santa visit for children and the ever-popular “Turrey Raffle”. She was also a long-time member of the Wednesday night Midweek Crisis bowling league at Brunswick in Lowell. Her team was comprised primarily of family and close friends, and while she certainly did her part to cheer the team on, she also took great pleasure in playfully heckling each of them with saucy nicknames and jeers.

At parties, Joan was reliably the first person to hit the dance floor with her signature granny moves. She was funny, sassy, unexpected, and yet, predictable for those that knew her best (her napkin party trick was a staple at every wedding and classy event). She never failed to show delight at her ability to make her sons and grandchildren blush. Joan truly knew how to work the spotlight. Fiercely loyal and devoted to those she loved, you always knew where you stood with her. She possessed a special brand of Nana magic and was at her most joyful when in the presence of babies and small children. Undoubtedly one of a kind, her light and energy will be greatly missed.

Joan is survived by 4 sons, Paul L. Garneau and his wife Mary Ellen of Dracut, Donald A. Garneau and his wife, Gladys “Chris”, of Tyngsboro, James J. Garneau of Englewood, FL, and Kevin J. Garneau and his wife, Maria, of Lowell; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was also mother to the late Raymond “Gus” G. Garneau and the late William B. Garneau.

She was predeceased by her siblings John “Jack” Haley, Marie Tousignant, James Haley, and Carol Enis. She is survived by 3 sisters-in-law, Carol Haley, Julie Haley, and Irene Delorme.

At this time a date for services is yet to be determined. Please visit and sign the virtual guestbook which can be found at the website of Lemon Bay Funeral Home (Englewood, FL). Should family and friends wish to contribute on behalf of Joan’s memory, please visit The Wish Project at www.thewishproject.org