Joan Marquardt Overgaard

Joan Marquardt Overgaard, 93, of Peabody, MA passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025. Cherished wife of 46 years to the late Mitchell; loving mother of Wade (Anita), Kristin (Russell) Bond and Neil; proud grandmother of Mia and Carina Overgaard, Elysa (Matt) Stevens and Sarah Bond, Peter and Rachel Overgaard. Beloved aunt to ten nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Mitchell, her parents Walter "Butch" and Frances (nee Abbott) Marquardt, her brother Jack (Lois) Marquardt, her sister Barbara (Paul) Cook, and her dear friend Calder MacDonald.

Born in Chicago, the 46-year Homewood, IL resident earned her bachelor's degree from Chicago Teachers College. Joan taught Kindergarten at Ridge Road School in Homewood until her first child was born and then became a full-time homemaker. She re-entered the workforce twenty years later as a preschool teacher and subsequently a travel agent for Vitt's Travel in Homewood. Joan participated in many community and faith organizations in Homewood, including the Living Springs Community Church, the Junior Women's Club, the Girl and Cub Scouts, school PTAs and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

Upon Mitchell's death, she moved to the Boston area to be closer to two of her children and resided at Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA for twenty years. After her move, Joan found a new spiritual home at West Church of Peabody and enjoyed an active social life at Brooksby, where she participated in the Gardening Club and acted as a Brooksby Ambassador for new residents. She embraced Brooksby's exercise offerings, earning status as a member of the "3000 Club" for the number of classes she attended. A lifelong avid sports fan, she adopted the local teams and passionately followed the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics.

Joan, whose life was defined by faith and family, will be remembered for her loving, giving and friendly nature. She was adored by many friends and acquaintances, even people she met for the first time. A gifted listener, Joan was blessed with the ability to uplift others and make everyone feel special; she always put others before herself. She was a devout Christian who cherished her church families, Bible Study classes, weekly worship services and volunteering with children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a prolific card writer whose calligraphy-addressed envelopes and heartfelt offerings brought great joy to their recipients. She delighted her grandchildren with creative, handcrafted pop-up cards celebrating birthdays and special occasions. While Joan will be held dear as a nurturer, she also enjoyed worldwide travel with her husband Mitch, playing recreational sports with family and friends, reading interesting articles and books, and sharing that information with others.

Visitation Saturday, January 10th, 10 am to 11 am, followed by a Celebration of Life and Faith service at 11 am at West Church of Peabody, 27 Johnson Street, Peabody, MA 01960. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Church of Peabody, Sjogren's Foundation (sjogrens.org) or a preferred charity.