Joan Meakin

Joan (MacLachlan) Meakin, a longtime resident of Maynard, passed away peacefully Friday, April 4th, 2025, at Care One at Lexington. She was 96 years old. She was the beloved wife of the late James Meakin who passed away in 1983.
Joan was born in Boston, daughter of the late William H. and Anna S. (MacDonald) MacLachlan. She grew up in Allston and lived for a time in Newton after she was married. She made her home in Maynard in 1965 where she would raise her family. Joan worked for many years at St. Bridget's Church as the parish secretary. A devout Catholic, she served as a Eucharistic minister as well as an acolyte for Mass. Later she was a familiar face at the Assabet Savings Bank as a teller. After retiring Joan was most proud of her volunteer work at the "Drop in", preparing lunches and activities for seniors.
In her younger years, Joan loved tap dancing, making three appearances on Community Auditions in Boston. Always clicking her heels, whether line dancing at the Damn Yankees, or Ballroom dancing with Thomas, there was no slowing Joan down. Later she was a member of the Tap N' Tones and Senior Strutters, song and dance troupes that made visits to hospitals, rest homes, and assisted living centers. When she wasn't busy running around to the grandkid's activities, organizing craft fairs, or counting votes, she spent time watching the Sox and the Bruins, sewing, knitting, and crafting wonderful gifts for her family and friends. More than anything, she was Nana to six beloved grandchildren and she enjoyed time spent playing Kings in the Corner, sometimes letting them win.
Joan is survived by her son Gary Meakin of Keene, NH, her grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, her cousin Francis MacDonald McGann, her sister-in-law Helen MacLachlan, and her son-in-law Leon Tyler, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband James, she was predeceased by her son Neal Meakin and her daughter Joan Tyler. She was also predeceased by her siblings, William MacLachlan, Amy Cutler and her husband Moe, Barbara Farnham and her husband Ralph, Mary Sutherland and her husband Bob.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Sunday, April 13th from 4:00-6:00PM in the Acton Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 14th at 11:00AM at Ascension Parish, St. Bridget's Church in Maynard. Burial will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the National Ataxia Foundation, PO Box 27986 Golden Valley, MN 55427.