Joan Charron Reis

Joan Charron Reis ACTON Joan Charron Reis, 50, of Acton and formerly of Weston, died at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. She was the beloved wife of Frank Reis, to whom she was married for 22 years. Born in Plymouth, she was a daughter of the late John T. and Mary P. (Riggins) Charron. Raised in Weston, Mrs. Reis was a graduate of Weston High School and Mt. Holyoke College. She was inducted into the National Thespian Society, and performed in New York and Massachusetts at Valley Light Opera, Reagle Players, Weston Drama Workshop and Circle in the Square. She especially loved musical theater, and performed most lead roles for soprano or mezzosoprano. A highlight of her musical experiences was a tour of the Soviet Union during the Cold War years, which featured classical music selections and a performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. Mrs. Reis received her certificate in France with emphasis in tax law, trust and estate management. She began her career at Choate Hall and Stewart in Boston, spent 15 years in banking including time at BankBoston, Bank of New England, and Fleet Bank. She moved to the legal side in 1995, joining Devine Millimet & Branch. An avid reader and writer, Mrs. Reis kept music in her life always, and also enjoyed gardening and cooking the fruits of the harvest. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two beloved daughters, Charron and Christina; a sister, Maryellen Horrigan of Bretton Woods, N.H. and Cincinatti, Ohio; aunts, Elaine Charron Reis of Pennsylvania and Patricia Holt of Marlborough; four nieces, a nephew, and countless cousins. She is also survived by her dear book club buddies of 11 years, and her clients, some in their third generation. Relatives and friends were invited to visiting hours on Friday, December 18 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Mass. Ave. (Rte. 111), Acton. The funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington St., Acton. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Concord Road, Acton Center. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in Mrs. Reis' name to either Mt. Holyoke College, attn. Development Office, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, or to one's favorite library.