Joan M. Hanson, 80, of Natick passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022 surrounded by her family after a recent period of declining health.
Joan was a warm and selfless woman who was a dedicated grandmother, mother and friend.
Most of her career, after graduating from Newton North (1960) & Boston State College (1964), was devoted to the care of children. Joan was a teacher, nanny, then eventually provided care to her own grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband, Larry, in 2007 and parents Alvina and Herman Hunter of Auburndale MA.
She is survived by devoted children; daughter, Lynne King and partner Patrick Burke, of Natick, daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Mark Doucette of Natick, and son Mark Hanson of Omaha, Nebraska.
Joan leaves 8 grandchildren, who could always count on Joan for unquestioned love and care; Colby and Charlotte King, Taylor, Madison, Faith and Sarah Doucette, and Erika and Emily Hanson.
She is also survived by her siblings, Diane Hunter of Pembroke, Steve and wife Diane Hunter of West Hartford CT, Jim and wife Connie Hunter of Walpole MA, and brother Don and wife Sue Hunter of Dedham MA.
Joan and Larry raised their children in Natick with frequent trips to Cape Cod and Sebago Lake, Maine.
When not with her children or grandchildren, Joan could be found avidly walking the neighborhood, visiting Larry at the cemetery, galivanting to Christmas Tree Shops or Savers. Joan was a devout Catholic. Before COVID, Joan was a parishioner at St. Patrick’s. More recently, she followed Catholic masses on TV. She had volunteered at Natick Senior Center and participated in exercise classes and outings. She supported many charitable institutions including St. Jude’s, Teen Challenge and a variety of Catholic Charities. When not caring for grandchildren, Joan enjoyed collecting dolls, taking care of her home and yard, seeing friends and reading.
A celebration of Joan’s life will take place from 5:00 -7:00 pm on Monday Nov. 7, 2022 at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road, (OFF Rt 30), Wayland. Her funeral service will be on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 at 11:00 am also at the funeral home.
Donations made in Joan’s honor can be made to Adult & Teen Challenge of Brockton or Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln