Joan LUTHERN

LUTHERN, Joan (Basile)Age 80, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023. She is survived by William Luthern, her husband of 52 years; son, Daniel and his wife, Cindy of Winchester, MA; son, Andrew and his wife, Brooke of Fairfield, CT; daughter, Sarah of Charlestown, MA; sister-in-law, Carol Imposimato and her husband, Ron of Arlington, MA; niece, Julia Imposimato of Waltham, MA; and sister-in-law, Myrna Basile of North Bellmore, NY.

Joan was raised in Schenectady, NY, with her identical twin sister, the late Patricia Miller; and her late brother, David Basile. Joan made her way to Boston in 1966 as a Registered Nurse and was employed at the New England Deaconess Hospital. Joan was a highly skilled and dedicated nurse in a variety of medical disciplines over her career, caring for patients with trademark empathy and compassion.

Joan met William in 1968, they were married on May 2, 1970, and they made their home in Belmont, MA. It was there that they raised their three children, with Joan guiding them to be as curious, compassionate, and caring as she was. Joan became "Nana" to Abby (20), Brett (18), Lizzie (15), and Layla (5) who were her pride and joy. Nana treasured spending time with her grandchildren, often just listening to their stories or cheering them on from the sidelines.

Her interests were many. She was a news and entertainment buff with an encyclopedic memory, giving Jeopardy contestants a run for their money on a nightly basis. She loved all types of books, movies, and music. She traveled to many of the world's most wondrous places yet was happiest sitting on the porch, enjoying the sunset at her beloved Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, ME.

As resilient as she was gracious, Joan beat cancer and put up a valiant fight against the Alzheimer's Disease that ultimately took her from us. Her journey came to a peaceful end while surrounded by grateful family and friends sharing stories, laughter, and tears.

Visiting Hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Road, LEXINGTON, MA, on Saturday, April 1, from 10:00am to 11:30am and will be followed by a Memorial at 11:30am. Reception to follow Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Joan to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House at 320 Haverhill Street, Reading, MA, 01867. Douglass/Customer logoLexington 781-862-1800 www.douglassfh.com