Joan Chandler

GREENFIELD - Joan Fletcher Chandler, 79, of 15 Meridian Street, died on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at Poet's Seat Health Care Center in Greenfield. Born in Somerville, MA on February 14, 1936, she was the oldest of four children of the late Arthur Clifford "Cliff" and Ethel Geneva Fletcher. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1954 and earned her Bachelors Degree in History from Colby College in 1958. She loved the ocean and spent many years living close by it in Beverly, MA before moving to Greenfield, MA to be nearer family. Joan moved to the Greenfield Arbors Assisted Living Community, which she very quickly called home, making many new friends in the last few months of her life.
Joan started her professional career as a public school teacher, then became an office manager and bookkeeper. She had a Joie de Vivre and was an avid life adventurer. She traveled globally to Italy, France, Greece, The Azores and Ireland (to name a few) and loved experiencing cultures of the world and learning their histories. Joan had a soft spot for the coast of Maine and spent many vacations there. 
She was a member of the Greenfield Garden Club, volunteered at the Greenfield Public Library, at Greenfield Public Schools in their libraries and also helped students with reading. She was a lifelong learner, always reading, asking questions and seeking knowledge about everything. She enjoyed taking art history and geology courses at Greenfield Community College. Joan loved gardening, knitting, reading and quilting and sharing her love of such activities with those around her.
Joan was predeceased by her brother Kenneth Fletcher formerly of Schoharie, NY.
She is survived by her brother Ronald Fletcher of New Harbor, Maine; sister Lynn Blanchard of Woburn, MA; three daughters: Lin Chandler of Gloucester, MA, Deborah Chandler of South Hadley, MA and Terry Gregory and her husband Frank Gregory of Greenfield, MA; four grandchildren: Melissa McCaughey, Amanda McCaughey, Grace Gregory and Emilia Gregory; five nieces and three nephews.
In keeping with Joan's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Services will be private, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home, 14 High St, Greenfield. Thoughts and memories can be shared on her memorial page at:
www.Never-Gone.com/Memorials/JoanChandler. Password: 1954