Joanne Marie French

Braintree Joanne Marie (Berndtson) French, born February 18, 1929 in Lawrence. Daughter of the late Arthur P. Berndtson and Bernice E. (Towne) Berndtson, died peacefully with her family the 22nd day of June at the Bostonian Nursing Home in Dorchester, after a brief struggle with a rare, terminal illness. B. Warren French will sorely miss his beloved wife of 51 years who also leaves three daughters: Carol Anne and her husband, Thomas J. Morris of Polk City, FL, Christine Ellen Giacomozzi of Plymouth and Marilyn Elizabeth, wife of John C. Lawrence of Hixson, TN, and a son Russell Warren French, married to Nicole (Pratt) French of Gorham, ME. Joanne has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchilden. She is survived by three sisters: Barbara White of N. Andover, Marilyn Noble of Lawrence and Elizabeth Mawson of Salem, NH, and a lifelong friend, Arlene (Ramskill) Crabtree of N. Andover. Joanne graduated from Edward F. Searles High School of Methuen, and then from Fitchburg Teachers College. She attended Smith for a year, majoring in social work, and went on to gain experience as a social worker and teacher in Baltimore, MD. Joanne later went to NYC to work at Reuben H. Donnelly Company while attending Cooper Union art school. Upon returning to the Boston area she taught at Quincy Point Junior High School. Joanne was a believer, a devoted wife and mother, an enthusiastic substitute teacher in both Braintree and Quincy public schools, a member of Bethany Congregational Church of Quincy and an associate member of the First Baptist Church of Braintree. She was an active member of Protestant Social Service Bureau, the Pilgrim District Women of the UCC, the Rice Eventide Auxiliary, South Shore Habitat for Humanity and SERVE of New England. Joanne loved life! "Never a dull moment" was one of her favorite quotes. She welcomed and respected all people. She had a contagious smile and epitomized the cheerful giver. Joanne was a amazing overcomer and even in her journey toward death she was one in a million. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 at Peck Funeral Home, 516 Washington St., Braintree. Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held on June 28th at Bethany Congregational Church, at the corner of Coddington and Spear Streets at 1:00, followed by a collation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation. (Pamphlets will be available at the visiting hours and memorial service.)