Joan Marshall

Melbourne Beach - Joan Ann Williams Marshall passed away on February 19, 2025 - five days after her 90th birthday - in Melbourne Beach, Florida. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Joan was born on St. Valentine's Day 1935 to Russell and Anne Williams of Weymouth, Massachusetts, and would become proud older sister to her brothers Raymond and Roger. She was an active Rainbow Girl alongside her cousins, a member of the Dudley Street Baptist Church, and head cheerleader at Weymouth High. With the encouragement of her parents, Joan went onto and graduated from Colby College in 1956. There she fully embraced her love for the written word and earned a bachelor's degree in literature. It was there too, in Waterville, Maine, where she met her life-long boyfriend, John Calder Marshall of Newton.

Joan and John wed in 1958 and raised their family in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Joan began her career as an English teacher and worked for decades promoting health and wellness as a women's fitness instructor at the Westfield YMCA. She was also the front woman at Brownies Cabins in Wellfleet, Massachusetts-a family business she led for three decades. Later on, she spent her summers in Truro, volunteering at the A.I.M. Thrift Shop and the Truro Historical Society. Proud "snowbirds," Joan and John enjoyed spending winter months in Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Joan will be remembered for her animated storytelling, "can-do" attitude, and uplifting energy. She was a poet, an educator, and a devoted life partner. Joan's embrace of language and her spirited voice will live on; especially through her five grandchildren all of whom delighted in imitating Nana's distinctive South Boston accent. Joan was a student of God and his presence on earth. Never knowing a stranger, Joan was kind to everyone; a social butterfly who made friends wherever she flew.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, John; her son John (Susan) Marshall and daughter Jane (Tom) McConnell; her grandchildren, Ryan, Tristan, and Camryn McConnell, and Jake and Madeline Marshall (mother Meredith); brother Roger (Jean) Williams; sister-in-law Janet Williams; brother-in-law Alexander (Anne) Marshall; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, June 28 at St. Mary's of the Harbor in Provincetown, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations: Chapel by the Sea Vacation Bible School, 8420 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne, FL 32951 or St. Mary's of the Harbor, 517 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657.