Joyce Conner Thibodeau a life-long resident of Marblehead, MA, died at Sunrise Gardner Park in Peabody on October 28, 2018, following an illness. She leaves a daughter Christiane Abbott, son in law Mark Abbott and granddaughter Brooke Abbott, all of Cos Cob, CT.
Joyce was born in Marblehead on August 7, 1932 to Hannah Cronin and Ralph E. Conner at the Mary Alley Hospital. A true “Marbleheader” she grew up on Orne Street and enjoyed life-long friendships with her classmates and neighbors. Her older brother, Ralph “June” predeceased her. Joyce loved the ocean and spent time out on the water with her father, a Little Harbor lobsterman, sailing and swimming at Gas House Beach. She loved sports, playing varsity field hockey and basketball. A graduate of Marblehead High School Class of 1950, she attended Virginia Intermont College and the University of Maine, majoring in Chemistry.
While working at New England Spectro Chemical Analysis Lab, she met Rodrigue Thibodeau. The two “bonded” over research in product testing and forensic investigative work. They were married June 9, 1957 and moved to Marblehead where they lived for their married life. Joyce spent many years working for the Marblehead school system as a classroom and special education aide. After retiring, Joyce and Rod enjoyed supporting local organizations, travel in New England, and visits to CT doggy sitting for their granddog Bijoux.
A Funeral Service will be held at Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street on Saturday, November 10 at 11AM with burial to follow in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday beginning at 10AM. Memorial donations may be made to: The Lobster Conservancy - working to sustain a thriving lobster fishery through science and community - located in Friendship, ME www.lobsterconservancy.org or to the Massachusetts Humane Society - caring for animals in need - located in Braintree, MA www.masshumane.org.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18