Joan M. Glanton

Joan M. Glanton, known among her loved ones as "Joanie," has taken her final journey, leaving us on March 6, 2026. Born on January 11, 1952, in Gardner, MA, this spirited woman had a knack for bringing light and laughter into every room she entered. Joan, a resilient lady who once proudly served in the United States Army before indulging in her love for the community as a Postal Carrier, truly lived by the words of Oscar Wilde, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

Joan’s generosity knew no bounds. She was the heart and soul of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where she resided, and her home was always bustling with the joyous chirping of birds, the excited barks of her dogs and the purring of her cats. Her kindness extended to every corner of her neighborhood where she was known to feed all the animals, especially the birds. When she wasn't playing keno or solving the day's crossword puzzle or word search, she could be found showering her grandkids with love and spoiling them rotten, a title she wore with immense pride.

Joan was a funny, often brutally honest woman who was unafraid of being the butt of a joke. She was a force of nature, a truly resilient spirit who, once she made up her mind, was as immovable as a mountain. This stubbornness was part and parcel of the love and dedication she showed to her family, her pets, and her community. She is survived by her children Kristin Glanton, Kenneth Jr., Deidre Glanton, Toyia Smith, and Sinque Smith, her daughter-in-law Deana Hamilton-Glanton, and Cindy Smith, her grandchildren Eli, Brycen, Jace, Sinque Jr., Marcia, Marques, and Madison, and her siblings Rodney Archambault, Mark Archambault, and Nancy Rolf. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Dorothy Archambault, and her brother Arthur Jr.

As Joan liked to use phrases like, “God willing" and "If the creek don’t rise!"

In memory of our loving Joan, we encourage you to share your favorite memories and photos of her below. Your stories and pictures will help us remember the wonderful life Joan lived and the many lives she touched.

Calling hours will be held at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM.

The Funeral Service will follow at the same location at 11:00 AM.

The Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, 115 Mt. Elam St., Fitchburg, MA.