Joan E. (Daniels) Melanson

Joan Melanson passed on May 21,2023

Joan Melanson, 84 years of age, was a former longtime resident of Natick, MA.   Preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William in 2014 and her son Kenneth passed at the age of 43 in 2004 of ALS.

Joan was born in Cambridge, MA, and was raised there by her parents, the late Arthur and Loretta (Daigle) Daniels.

Married in 1959, she embarked on a career journey with her husband that took them to Atlanta, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Williamsville, NY, before settling in Natick in 1972.

Joan was a consummate networker of social connections.  Never happy to sit home, she made lifelong friends in every city she lived in.  During the tough times in the 70’s, Joan became a working mom to help the family with expenses.

In 1974, her long journey began, working at Wellesley College.  Joan filled various administrative roles at Wellesley College for over 35 years.  Joan was an active member of the Wellesley College Presidents Club for over 25 years.

Joan was never one to rest in retirement.  In 2020, she became an associate of the Sister of Charity Halifax.  Joan also served as a faithful Eucharistic Minister at Elizabeth Seton Residences.   Joan took her first trip to Europe, (Paris) for her 80th birthday with her best friend Annie Nickerson.

Joan is survived by her son Keith of Whitefish, MT, and a sister Carol Boyd of Montross, VA.

Joan was the loving Grandmother of Ellie Melanson of Miami, Fl, Bryn Melanson of New York City, NY, Connor Melanson of Boston, MA, and Hunter Melanson of South Bend, IN.  She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St., Natick, on Friday June 9th at 10:00AM.  A burial procession will follow to Pine Hill Cemetery in Sherborn

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to ALS TDI in Joans memory would be appreciated.  ALS Therapy Development Institute, 480 Arsenal Street Suite 201. Watertown, MA 02472, or www.ALS.net.

Arrangements are by the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., NATCK COMMON.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joan E. (Daniels) Melanson, please visit our Tree Store.