Joan Elizabeth McLachlan

She was born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in Slippery Rock, PA by her late parents Richard and Elizabeth Grace (Thompson) McLachlan. As a young woman she moved to New York City where she married A. William Douglas and raised their two young children, eventually moving to Long Island, where she lived in Rockville Centre, NY before moving to Cape Cod 19 years ago.

Joan was an educator, librarian, researcher, trainer, presenter, and author. Her expertise was in career education. She received her B.S. in English at Westminster College (’65), M.S. in special education at Hunter College (’72), MLS, Library and Information Science at Pratt Institute (’74) and Professional Diploma, Supervision and Administration at Bank Street College (’91).

She began her career as an educator and librarian in New York City. She was a senior educational consultant at Measurement Incorporated where she specialized in informational research to support current projects and proposals. Joan worked on projects in career program development and research and served as a consultant in the Greater New York City Area to the Nassau County High School Principals’ Senior Year Network specializing in support of schools implementing internships as components of Senior Project programs. She was also an entrepreneur. She began her company Internship Quest, LLC and co-authored two books on internships with her dear friend and business partner, Patricia Hess.

Her volunteer work included service to the Cape Wildlife Center, South Congregational Church, and most recently the Centerville Public Library. She always made it a point to give back.

Joan was wonderfully intelligent and walked through life courageously and with purpose always. Nothing could stop her from accomplishing what she wanted to. Joan was kind and known for her generous spirit, sharp sense of humor, passion for travel, and love of animals. She adored her son and daughter with whom she took many trips and adventures and especially enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter.

Joan is survived by her daughter Meghan Douglas of Centerville, MA, son William Matthew Douglas of Treasure Island, FL; brother Richard McLachlan of Grove City, PA; sister Marilyn Barney of Dunn, NC and her cherished granddaughter Vaughn Elizabeth Douglas-Hellyer. She is predeceased by her sister Martha Nance McLachlan.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Doane, Beal & Ames, 160 W. Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601 followed by a 1 PM Celebration of Life Service.

In honor of Joan’s commitment to lifelong learning and her many years of dedication to the Centerville Library, memorial donations may be made at https://www.centervillelibrary.org/, Centerville Library 585 Main St, Centerville, MA 02632.

To share a memory or for online condolences visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com