Joan M. Niehaus

Joan Marie (Lamy) Niehaus of Lunenburg, MA

When Joanie saw a beautiful gate or wall around a property, she would stop and try to see through to the other side, “There must be something beautiful over there." Today, she is on the other side of those pearly gates, rejoicing in the presence of God and all those who have gone before her. She passed peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025.

God brought her into our lives on February 22, 1945. Joan was a beautiful daughter, caring sister, the love of Eric Niehaus’ life, a devoted mother, loving grandmother, cousin to nearly everyone in Fitchburg, and a cherished friend.

She met Eric at Fort Devens, fell in love, and soon married him before his deployment to Kagnew Station in Ethiopia. This marked the beginning of a whirlwind global adventure that became her life; she accompanied Eric when he was deployed to Ethiopia, followed by a life in England, and then traveled and experienced cultures all around Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The stories and adventures she gained were some of the best gifts of her life, well-lived and whole.

But she always considered Fitchburg her home, where her cherished memories of family were rooted, and her heart belonged with her earliest childhood memories at her grandparents' summer "camp" on Stodge Meadow Pond in Ashburnham, where Eric then bought her, her own "camp" where she spent every summer of her life. Family abounded in just a few square miles, Albee St, Canton St., & Bemis Rd. Life events at St. Francis, and she went to all the "Saintly" schools - St. Joe, St. Francis, St. Bernards, and "St. South Fitchburg". (in preparation for this day)

She touched so many lives with her quirky sense of humor, endless energy, and steady faith. Her stories could brighten any situation... and she had plenty of stories to share! Her deep love for life was evident in her diverse talents and passions, including water skiing, snow skiing, ice dancing/figure skating, watercoloring/painting, cooking, history and culture, historical re-enactments, and her involvement in her faith-based communities everywhere she traveled.

Above all, she cherished moments spent with her family (all her families – church family, friend family, 10th Regiment-a-foot family, and worldwide family). She valued the importance of togetherness and the celebration of both grand milestones and everyday moments. She leaves behind a legacy of love.

The love of her life for 57 years survives Joanie, Eric Niehaus; her children and their spouses, Kristina (Niehaus) and Bruce Carbone of Lunenburg, Michael Niehaus and Tu Ngo of Newton; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert [Bob] and Cora (Melanson) Lamy of Fitchburg, and Sister-In-Law, IHM Sister Maryanne Niehaus in Philadelphia; cherished grandchildren, Seneca and Maya Niehaus, Enzo and Gianna Carbone; nieces and nephews, Melissa Lamy, and Curtis and Elisha (Jeffrey) Lamy and their children Olivia and Ella; the entire Chmielowski and Niehaus clans in Alaska; countless cousins far and wide, as well as many "adopted" grandchildren and godchildren.

Joanie once said she never understood why people wear black to funerals; she believed festive colors should be worn to celebrate life and the joy in heaven.

Come celebrate all that was and is Joanie’s AMAZING life.

Calling hours and a Celebration of Life at Brandon Funeral Home will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm, followed by the Celebration of Life at 7 pm.

Church Service at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Westminster, MA on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 5 pm.

Interment will be private, with close family and friends, at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.