Joan Arruda

Joan Marie Daley Arruda
Windham, Maine - Joan Marie Arruda passed peacefully after a long illness on February 6, 2023 at her home with her loving family by her side.
Joan was born on March 26, 1931 in Brockton, MA. She graduated from Brockton High School in 1949 and lived in Brockton until 1972 when she moved to her home of 48 years on Julie Road in North Easton, MA. In 2020, Joan and husband Al moved to Maine to be closer to family.
Joan was a woman of many interests. She was an accomplished homemaker; a wonderful cook, gardener, seamstress, and crocheter; a lifelong reader, a self-taught woman. She was quick witted, funny, and the epitome of courage and elegance. More than anything, she loved the people in her life, from Albert Arruda, her adoring husband of 71 years, to her children Greg Arruda and Dede Perkins and husband Tony, to her granddaughters Kate Gaskill and husband Chris, Carly Perkins and husband Josh Brostoff, and Haley Perkins, to her extended family and close friends.
When she wasn't at home in Easton, Joan could be found in Maine with her family on Sebago Lake, or on the Galt Ocean Mile in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Wherever she was, Joan created a welcoming home that was always open to family and friends. She loved good food and drink (especially a glass of Chardonnay with one ice cube), music, dancing, and hosting great parties. Joan was always up for an adventure. When her granddaughters wanted to parasail and swim with the dolphins in Key West, Joan was the first to say, "I'm in". More than any of this, Joan will be known as the kindest, most genuine person who always looked for the good in every person and situation. She lit up every room she was in. To say she will be missed is an understatement.
Joan was predeceased by her parents Evelyn and John DiCicco and her biological father, Kenneth Daley. There will be a private celebration of Joan's life in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Sjogren's Foundation.