Joan Mary (Higginbottom) Bernard, 70, of Bradford, Massachusetts passed away on Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 at the Academy Manor Nursing Home in Andover following a yearlong battle with cancer and related complications. She was born on July 16th, 1942 in Lawrence, MA., daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Stone) Higginbottom.
She was educated in the local schools of Lawrence and was a graduate of Lawrence High School. Joan later attended Fazio’s Hairdressing School. She was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s Church in Lawrence and worked as a dispatcher for the Parks Department for the City of Lawrence.
Joan volunteered for the Salvation Army in Haverhill and for Meals on Wheels in the Merrimack Valley. According to her family she loved to cook, she loved her jewelry, loved shopping and fashion. Joan enjoyed helping others and especially spending time with her family.
Her family members include her husband of 47 years Harold Bernard
Her sons: Blake J. Bernard of Bradford, MA. and
John Richardson of Miami, FL
Her brothers: Joseph Peter Higginbottom of Lawrence, MA
And John Francis Higginbottom of Lawrence, MA
As well as several nieces and nephews.
Mother of the late Kevin Higginbottom and Laura Higginbottom and sister to the late Peter Higginbottom.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call on Monday, May 20th, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. Services and burial will take place at a later date. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.