Joan E. Rahaim, 84, of Winchendon Ma passed away Thursday July 16th after a long illness.
Joan was born January 7th 1942 in Sterling, to her father, Louis Nelson, her mother, Rita (Whitcomb). Joan was a life long resident of central Ma.
To know Joan, or Joanie, as everyone called her, was to love her. She truly was sunshine in a person. Her voice, smile, laughter, and enthusiasm could brighten any dark room. She had an extraordinary way of making sure everyone knew they were loved and cared for, even people she had just met. She truly was an angel on earth with a heart so pure and loving. Her love and care did not stop at people. She spent many years as an animal control officer in Athol and had an immense love for all animals. She took pride in caring for animals and showing others how to do so. Joan also loved her music and old records, especially Elvis and Elton John. She spent a lot of time playing her acoustic guitar with her children, which was a tradition that meant so much to them. More than anything Joan loved her family. Her family was the center of her world and she was the center of theirs. She had a hand in raising all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren along with her children. The void left in her family will never be filled, but they carry on knowing her love is with them always.
Joan leaves behind her children, son, Thomas Rahaim and his wife Amy of Malborough, son Daniel Rahaim and his wife Dawn of Athol, daughter Audra Rahaim of Winchendon, Grandchildren Salma Adder, Nancy Batchelor, Jennifer Rahaim, Nicholas Rahaim, Thomas Rahaim, Elizabeth Nicoletti, Adam Rahaim, Valerie Orwig-Rahaim, Jio Rahaim, and Eric Rahaim, along with great grandchildren Natalla, Alexa, Lashea, Kaelyn, Lilly, Danny, Alyana, Thomas, Sira, Olivia, Jason, Addison, Lyla, Alliyah, Lily, Juliet, Alexia, Elena, Braxton and Cameron. Joan also leaves behind a sister, Joyce Girard, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great great grandchildren.
Joan was predeceased in death by her parents, siblings, Judy and Jerry , her daughter Sandra Nicoletti, her daughter Mechelle Rahaim, Grandson Boris Velez, Grandson Jason Rahaim, and a Great Grandson Nathaniel Lafountain.
The services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday August 22nd 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Winchendon MA.
A celebration of life is to follow directly after the church service at the Gardner Fish and Gun Club in the downstairs hall.
Fly high with the Eagles.
May god wrap his arms around you with love as you did everyone lucky enough to know you.