JOAN L. FLUEGEL-87, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease, spent her end of life February 1, 2021 in the comfort of her Dartmouth home for the past 60 years with her family & friends by her side.
She was the daughter of William C. Brightman and Helen Camara Demaris & raised by her Grandmother Grace I. Brightman. Born, raised & educated in New Bedford where she met her husband in the 4th grade, became friends, high school sweethearts & married.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth of 65 years in a perfect, loving, caring marriage, a son Kenny of Dartmouth, grandson Brandon A. of Seattle, Washington & Hunter W. of Milford, Ct. Also her sisters Grace Nicely of Swansea, MA., Janice Sousa of Florida & Patricia Holland Heaps. She was predeceased by her two daughters Susan J. Smallhoover (Alan) & Sandra E. Tavares (David). One of her favorite pleasure In life was being with children & especially being “Nana” to Giselle Cambra.
Joan worked a secretary to the Advertising Manager at The Standard-Times until it was time to raise a family. She as a volunteer at St. Lukes Hospital & the Dartmouth Library & was an Assistant teacher at Smith Mills Pre- School.
A member of Smith Mills Christian Congregational Church for over 50 years & participated in all of their activities & became known as the “chowder lady” which was her specialty. She enjoyed cooking, sewing reading and cruises and other family trips. But her most important pleasure was the time spent with family & friends.
The family wishes to especially extend their deepest thanks to the CARE FOR LOVE AGENCY that cared for Joan with such tender loving care to assure her final days in comfort.
No service is being considered at this time and a graveside service will be held at a later date.