Johanna Moriarty Dube

1945 - 2025

Johanna “Joanne” Dube, 80, passed away peacefully at home on September 13, 2025, with her daughters at her bedside, just four months after the loss of her life partner and husband of 55 years, Rodney. Joanne was born in New Britain, CT on July 29, 1945, to the late John and Helen (Guiheen) Moriarty. Emigrants from Dingle and the Great Blasket Island, Co. Kerry, Ireland, John and Helen instilled in Joanne, along with her siblings, Maureen, Maurice, and the late Michael and Kathleen, a deep connection to their native land. The culture, religion, and ethos of Ireland imbued every fiber of their family. They worked hard, loved big, and had steadfast faith. 

After meeting in high school, Joanne and Rodney married in 1970 and made their home in West Springfield. Together, after years of struggle and loss, they were blessed with their three daughters, Nicole, Sarah, and Caitlin. Joanne’s greatest joy was being a mother, with Rodney by her side through every up and down. She was their biggest cheerleader; their successes were hers. Nothing made Joanne happier than when her family was all together, no matter how small the occasion. Her favorite season was football season; she was a voracious reader, an astute political debater, and lover of the ocean. She believed that there was no problem a hot cup of tea couldn’t fix. 

Joanne earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, summa cum laude, from Elms College and a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College. She made her career as a social worker for Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice (VNAH). Joanne was a gentle soul, pure of heart, and met every person with kindness and compassion. Her empathy, advocacy, and care helped so many area families navigate their most difficult of times. 

Coming full circle, Joanne spent the last two months of her life as a patient on the Baystate VNAH service. She endured multiple cancer diagnoses and treatments over decades with true resilience, grace, and grit. Though cancer robbed her of her able body and mind, she never lost her sweet nature and deep faith. 

Joanne’s family wishes to thank Whitney Allen for caring for Joanne as if she was one of her own, as well as the staff of Baystate VNAH, past and present, for the very special work they do and the community they shared together with Joanne. A calling hour will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA followed directly by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM.  For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute danafarber.jimmyfund.org