Joanne Assad

We are sad to announce that Joanne Assad, 77, tragically passed away leaving behind a life full of kindness, love and laughter. Joanne was a strong, caring woman who fought hard to the very end. She was known for her deep compassion, resilience and the love she shared with those around her.

Joanne lived boldly and beautifully. A gifted belly dancer, captivating anyone lucky enough to see her dance. She devoted part of her life to caring for others as a nurse, offering compassion, and a tender presence wherever she worked.

She loved playing cards and met many lifelong, great friends through the years.

She was a lifelong lover of all animals and cared deeply for each creature she encountered. Her compassion was one of her defining qualities.

Known for her quick wit and bright humor, Joanne was always ready for a good joke, and her presence brought laughter into every room. She was loved by many and made friends everywhere. She could give advice in a way that made everything feel less heavy and was always ready to talk about politics with anyone up to it. She made people feel welcome, and understood, and her family will miss her untroubled love greatly.

Joanne loved to spend time with her family. She loved to see her grandkids and thought of them everyday. They enjoyed doing nails on Thursday nights for poker the next day, and spaghetti dinners on Wednesdays ending the night with some music and dancing. Joanne loved to have fun and listened to music often. Any excuse to dance she would take and enjoyed doing so with the people she loved.

Joanne is deeply loved and survived by her daughter Keirsten (55) and late son-in-law Richard Philbrick, and her son Stephen (50) and his wife Kristen; her four grandchildren who were the joy of her heart: Mia (24), Ava (19), Domenic (17), and Jameson (15). She is also survived by her brother Edward Duscheneau and late wife Sherry of Salem, New Hampshire, and her sisters Dorothy Borden and her husband Eric of Haverhill Massachusetts, Katherine Weeden and her husband Ronnie of Haverhill, and Laurie Rukus and her husband John of Connecticut; as well as several nieces, nephews and many dear friends and her special cat, Koda, who was always by her side.

Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Gertrude Duscheneau and Stephen Manemanus, and sister-in-law Sherry; son-in-law Richard Philbrick, and two cats, Gracie and Nosy Parker; and her dog, Marcey, who now welcome her with love.

In honor of her memory, the family kindly asks in lieu of flowers donations can be made to local animal shelters, reflecting her lifelong devotion to the animals she adored.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her humor and love over food and music.