Joan Ann Purcell

Joan Ann Purcell, 88, passed away peacefully on July 20th, 2022 surrounded by her fiercely devoted family. The sun rose and the world welcomed Joan in the autumn of 1933, which made the world a little brighter. Joan grew up in New Orleans, a city she loved wholeheartedly and never left. She is predeceased by her parents, Walter Carver and Maude Spindel Carver, and by her sister, Barbara Carver Chetta. Joan was the loving wife of the late Frank Purcell for over 50 years. Joan lived a full life, filled with many blessings. She spent her life as a child of God, serving her Lord and family every day. Joan was a devout wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed spending time in prayer with her tenderly worn prayer book. She was as steadfast in her faith as she was a New Orleans Saints fan, ever since the days that they played at Tulane Stadium. Joan's loves included: Drew Brees, Elvis Presley, Guiding Light, Diet Coke, and late nights. Dislikes: Tom Brady! She was known by many families in the community as "Maw Maw." She was loved by generations of young dancers at the Pam Purcell School of Dance & the Metropolitan Dance Theatre of New Orleans. What brought Joan the greatest joy of her life was being surrounded by her growing family. She is survived by her loving daughter Pam Buisson (Tommy), her granddaughters Jauné Buisson (Matt), Sommer Dawson (Justin), and Desireé Lee (Steffon) and her soon to be seven great-grandchildren. Joan will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Love Always. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, for 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie LA, 70005. Visitation will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm, followed by Mass. Guests are invited to wear blue, Joan's favorite color. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com.