Joan M. (Janelle) Nowak, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2018, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 2, 1933, to the late Arthur O. and Elizabeth (Flanagan) Janelle. During her life, Joan was an avid horsewoman and enjoyed traveling with her husband Robert all over the country to his many naval reunions. She also enjoyed their many trips to the Rhode Island shore and Cape Cod. She owned and raised Arabian horses that competed in many horse shows in the area. A favorite hobby of hers was tending to her beautiful flower gardens. She attended Holy Name of Jesus Grammar School and graduated from its high school in Chicopee. As a young woman, she worked in clerical positions in Springfield and served as a long distance operator for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. She also worked as a legal assistant to her late father-in-law, Joseph A. Nowak, before turning her attention to providing a caring home in which to raise her four children. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Attorney (retired) Robert L. Nowak, two sons Thomas Nowak of Chicopee and Lawrence Nowak and his wife Jennifer of Southwick, and two daughters Christine Shotwell of Southwick and Elizabeth DesRochers and her husband Donald of Granby, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Joan was predeceased by her sister Patricia Luiz, her brother 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Janelle who was killed in action in the Korean War, and her daughter-in-law Michelle Nowak. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 10 a.m. at the Grise Funeral Home 280 Springfield St. Chicopee, with a prayer service to take place at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling Hours will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 264 Cottage St. Springfield, MA 01104, or to the Dakin Humane Society 171 Union St. Springfield, MA 01105. Please visitwww.Grisefh.com for online condolences.