TAUNTON – Joan L. (Lesperance) Faria, wife of Manuel Faria, Jr. of Taunton, passed away peacefully at her home on June 30, 2012, nine days after her diagnosis of terminal cancer. During those nine days she welcomed a steady stream of people whose lives she had touched. She was able to share meaningful memories with all of the visitors, filling the house with laughter and tears.
Born, raised and educated in Attleboro, Joan was the daughter of the late Eugene and Alice (Drown) Lesperance.
A Taunton resident for many years and homemaker for most of her adult life, Joan was employed as a driver for the Bloom Bus Co., at Haskon Industries, and also had worked at the Raynham - Taunton Dog Track.
She was a communicant of St. Anthony Church.
Joan was Mom, Ma, Mommy, Grammie, Grandma Joan, Joanie and DeeDee to her family and loved ones and will be remembered for the loving care she gave to everyone through the generations.
She cherished all the special family time she had, which was the most important thing to her.
There was no doubt of her great love for Manny and her family.
She was a loving wife of 58 years, and together with Manny, spent many days attending any activity they were asked to by the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, including babysitting, which she was honored to do. She loved watching every Red Sox game with Manny.
Mom was not afraid to speak her mind. We always knew her opinion on everything from the outfit we wore to our hair style and color, which was one of her endearing qualities.
Her wide circle of family and friends was evident during her last days. She was truly overwhelmed and blessed by all the visitors who honored her. She was given many gifts, as people spoke openly about their love for Joanie. She spent time with each of her children and grandchildren, giving them encouragement, wisdom and life advice in preparation of her passing.
She was inspirational to many people, especially the Weight Watchers Tuesday group where she was their biggest weight loser. She was overwhelmed when they came to bless her with love and gifts while she was sick.
She relied on her faith in God during her last days, and felt him calling her home.
She and the family are especially grateful to Drs. Jim and Kelly Hoye for the excellent care she and Manny have received over the years. She felt they were part of her family. She was thrilled and honored to have “Dr. Kelly” visit her at home the day before her passing.
Mom also appreciated the wonderful care she received from Compassionate Care Hospice.
She will be deeply missed by all.
In addition to her loving husband of 58 years, Manuel, she leaves 4 daughters, Debbie Beech and her husband Robert of E. Taunton, Nancy Neville and her husband Terrence of Berkley, Gayle Clark and her husband Greg of Whitman and Sally Mansfield and her husband Brian of Taunton , a son Scott Faria and his wife Susan of Berkley, 14 grandchildren, Karriann and Russell Clark, and their daughters Alahana and Karis, Amanda Swisher, Leandra and husband James Kelley, Alyssa Beech, Kyle Neville, Devin Neville, and her son Raiden Fagan; Gabriel, Jordan, Zachary, Samuel and Amber Clark, Luke Mansfield, and Matthew and Megan Faria; a brother, Richard Lesperance of Virginia; a sister, Shirley Lesperance of Attleboro; brother in law Joseph Faria and wife Evelyn of Taunton; Richard Faria and wife Marianne of Berkley, Roselina Faria of Taunton and several nieces and nephews.
She was also the great grandmother of the late Jaiden Clark, the sister of the late Lloyd and Douglas Lesperance, Mildred Dumican, Olive Leonard and Avis Wallace, and the sister in law of the late Daniel and Agnes Faria and George Faria.
Her funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Friday, July 6th at 8 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Anthony Church at 9 a.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling Hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 5th from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, N. E. Chapter, 101A First Ave. Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.
www.silvafuneralhome.com.