Joan R. Gahan, 75, of Woonsocket died Wednesday November 2, 2022 at home. Born and raised in Woonsocket she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Anna (Talbot) Gahan. Joan was a lifelong resident of the city. She was a graduate of Woonsocket High School Class of 1965. Joan was a graduate of Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing class of 1968.
As a registered nurse Joan devoted her entire career as a supervisor in the emergency department at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. She retired in 2012 after 45 years of providing amazing care and leadership and a compassionate response to those being treated at the hospital.
Joan loved Woonsocket and was very civic minded and active in the community. Joan was a member of the Quota Club. She was a board member of the Stadium Theatre. She was a volunteer at the Woonsocket Historical Society and the Museum of Work and Culture. She was also a member of the Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts. She was also an usher at Providence Preforming Arts Center (PPAC).
Joan loved to travel. She loved animals, especially her cat “Ralph “ and recently the resident therapy dog at Wyndemere Woods “Holmes”, Joan’s friend Melanie’s dog.
Joan loved to get lost in a good book while sitting on the patio wearing her trademark visor or take in a great movie. Joan’s heart and imagination was in a bygone era as she was a big fan of Downton Abbey and had a special interest in the Titanic. She was also a devoted fan of the artist Norman Rockwell.
Joan will be remembered as a friendly person. She was very giving and donated to numerous charities locally and beyond. Joan had been honored in Woonsocket for her many efforts in the community.
Joan was the sister of the late Judith Lazareski.
Joan is survived by her best friend of over 40 years Marc A. Berube of Montclair, New Jersey and her good friend Melanie Dunlap-Vieira. Joan is also survived by her many friends in the greater Woonsocket and Providence area.
Relatives and friends are invited to honor, remember and celebrate Joan’s beautiful life at her service on Monday November 14th at 11:00 at Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket. Visiting hours are Monday morning from 9:00-11:00am prior to the service. Joan will be laid to rest alongside her family in a private burial.
In lieu of flowers and in recognition of Joan’s support for the organizations that were close to her heart memorial donations may be made to any of the following:
The Stadium Theatre Foundation 28 Monument Sq. Woonsocket, RI. 02895 www.stadiumtheatre.org
Museum of Work and Culture Preservation Foundation 42 South Main St. Woonsocket, RI. 02895
Providence Performing Arts Center PPAC Development Office 220 Weybosset St. Providence, RI. 02903 www.ppacri.org
The Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Development Office PO box H Providence, RI 02901 www.lifespan.org
Woonsocket Historical Society 42 South Main St. Woonsocket, RI. 02895
www.menardfuneralhome.com