Joan A. Winslow

Joan A. (Doran) Winslow, 85, died peacefully at home on February 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 3, 1939, to Carl and Rose Doran, Joan built a life defined by compassion and care for others. After graduating from the Boston City School of Nursing, she dedicated her early career to psychiatric nursing and later expanded her healing touch to family therapy. A woman of boundless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Joan owned several businesses throughout her life, including antiques, floral arrangements, and wedding accessories.

Joan was a devoted mother and grandmother whose home radiated warmth and hospitality, welcoming family, friends, and neighbors alike. Despite facing significant hardships, including the loss of her first husband, Frank Williams, while her children were still young, she worked tirelessly to create a better life for them. She lived with remarkable generosity—hosting memorable gatherings, supporting others through illness, and offering emotional strength to all who needed it.

Joan treasured her travels to Boothbay Harbor, Maine with her beloved husband Bruce. Christmas was her favorite holiday, when she delighted in preparing elaborate feasts, decorating a magnificent tree, and showering her family with thoughtful gifts. She enjoyed hosting tea parties for her granddaughters and creating special moments with all her grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her husband Bruce; her children from her marriage to the late Frank Williams: Frank Williams Jr. and his wife Helena, Steve Williams, John Williams and his wife Maryann, James Williams and his wife Ana, Christine Hupper and her husband Adam; and her children with Bruce: Amy Winslow, Jennifer Winslow and her partner Dahna; her two younger sisters, Patricia Raymond and Donna Shanahan and their children; and her treasured grandchildren Frankie, Christopher, Nicholas, Ivan, Vanessa, Lucas, Benjamin, Oliver, Alison and April.

Joan lived her last years with dementia and in true Joan fashion, she would want to help others facing similar challenges. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joan's memory to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).

A private celebration of life will be held for family and close friends. Arrangements under the care of the McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home of Stoneham.