Barbara J. Joyal

With profound love and deep sadness, we share that Barbara J. Joyal, 69, passed away on Thursday, March 5, at home. Barbara was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was well cared for and comforted during the final stages of her ALS by her loving wife Susan, and her Norfolk Terriers Cali and Myles.

Born in Woonsocket, Barbara was the daughter of the late Robert and Jane (Perry) Joyal. After graduating from North Smithfield High School, Barbara completed her education at the University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy. Barbara followed in her father's footsteps as a dedicated pharmacist, devoting her life to helping countless people. Extremely smart and well read, Barbara served many roles throughout the state, working in hospitals and methadone clinics. She was respected for her deep knowledge, compassion, and patient commitment, and was a proud member of the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association.

In addition to her professional work, Barbara was deeply involved with the dog show community, serving as show Chairman for the Harvest Cluster Dog Show for three clubs: The Irish Setter Club of New England, the Eastern Irish Setter Club and the Irish Setter Club of Central Connecticut for over 20 years! She was a committee member that managed four Irish Setter National Specialties, held in Warwick, and served as the New England Representative for the Irish Setter Club of America Rescue, helping to find homes for the Irish Setter dogs.

Barbara and Susan Johnson shared 42 inseparable years of love, laughter, companionship- enjoying mutual love for one another. She and Susan also shared passions for their friends, softball, Irish Setters and Norfolk Terriers. She was a loving sister of Christine (Keith) Mathieu, Carol Arcand; cherished aunt of Michelle LaFlamme, Cailin Arcand-Cortez , Dr. Keith Mathieu, Kristine Salvo, MD, Tracy Fine, Scott Carlsten and Katherine Kaplan. Barbara was predeceased by her parents and brother-in-law Tony Arcand.

Barbara's memorial service will be held March 28 at 2pm, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 118 Division Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818. For those who cannot attend there will be a live stream of the service http://www.youtube.com/@FirstEvangelicalLutheranCh-h7l

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the ALS of RI, 2374 Post Rd #103, Warwick, RI 02886; The Irish Setter Club of America Health Foundation, 34553 Deerwood Dr., Eugene, OR. 97405, or the First Evangelical Lutheran Church 118 Division St. East Greenwich, RI 02818.