Joan M. Hirsh

1932 - 2026

Joan M. Hirsh
1932 - 2026
East Longmeadow
Joan Margaret (Mayo) Hirsh, an amazing woman known for her vibrant spirit and impeccable style, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. She was 93.
Born in Holyoke and raised in the Aldenville section of Chicopee, Joan was full of spunk and perseverance. She graduated from Chicopee High School at 16 then went to work. She was a skilled Executive Secretary, lending her talents to F.W. Sickels, Inc., the Springfield Armory, and Milton Bradley, among other businesses. She married her husband, Elliott in 1960, raised her only daughter and built a life in Springfield and Longmeadow before his untimely passing in 1976.
Joan had a gift for creativity--transforming the ordinary into something beautiful. Her passions were many-fashion, shopping, decorating her home, gardening, dancing, and listening to jazz music. Joan loved to travel. Her favorite spots were Crescent Beach in Niantic where she owned a summer home, and Naples, Florida where she spent many winters.
Joan's circle of friends was large and deeply cherished. She built lasting connections wherever she went, forming friendships filled with laughter, warmth, and loyalty. Her ability to make others feel welcome and valued was one of her greatest gifts.
Above all, Joan's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Beth Connor and her husband Timothy; her cherished grandchildren Amanda Morrisino and her husband Paul, Ryan Connor and his wife Sarah; her much-loved two great grandchildren, Emilia Morrisino and Miles Connor; and her special nieces and nephew Kathleen Cote, Christine Longhi, Paula Shonak, and Alan Rogers. She was preceded in death by her husband Elliott Hirsh, her parents, Arthur and Ruth Mayo, and her sister, Corinne Bessette as well as many dear cousins and friends.
To know Joan was to feel her warmth and unmistakable charm. Her family and friends will always remember her as a woman of confidence, style, and heart-a true original. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Forastiere Smith Family Funeral and Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, followed by a 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary's Church, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow where family and friends will gather to celebrate Joan's remarkable life and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Joan will be laid to rest in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery, in Chicopee. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice. www.forastiere.com