Joan Roy Obituary

Joan B. Roy passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Frenchville, Maine on April 5, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Antoinette (Daigle) Roy. Joan was the 9th child out of 17 children. She spent her childhood growing up on a farm where she learned hard-work ethics, honored family values and enjoyed participating in family musical performances and dancing. Joan leaves behind a legacy of strength and resilience and will be deeply missed by all who know her. She was admired for her perseverance, determination, comical remarks and big heart. Her smile was contagious, her laughter echoed, and her dance moves made you follow her lead. Her purpose in life was to serve God and others with a willing and uncomplaining heart, never seeking recognition. Joan took pride in raising her four children in Manchester, CT and often said they were her greatest accomplishments. She found a way to balance motherhood and worked part-time at Robertson School as a cafeteria and playground aid. She was an excellent homemaker and a dedicated mother who always found a way to attend her children's games and events, even when she was working. She volunteered at St. Bridget's Church and worked the Annual Church Bizarre. She spent decades volunteering in the snack shack during Midget Football games at Mount Nebo Park and loved watching all the community kids grow up each season before her eyes. She extended a warm level of care and attention to her children's friends, as if they were part of her own family. Later she worked for several years at the local Community Y Recreation Center before traveling to her 3rd shift full-time job at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Joan retired at the age of 64 and moved to Stuart, Florida where she lived a very active lifestyle for 25 years at Cedar Pointe Village. She walked every morning and met up with her closest friends right after for water aerobics to chat about family or recent events. She was a card shark at the clubhouse and was a ruthless card player when playing with her family members who never understood her card rules. She was passionate about line dancing and performed at several county fairs and senior center events throughout the year. She was addicted to playing with her handheld video games like that of a teenager, she would work on puzzles for hours, read, journaled or colored in her coloring book to pass the time. She volunteered serving meals at the food pantry and delivered meals to individuals' home (Meals on Wheels program). Church was a fundamental and consistent part of her life, regardless of where she resided or traveled, serving as a vital source of community, faith and connection. She had a fulfilling life in Florida, where deep bonds with friends evolved into family connections. Joan is survived by her four children and five grandchildren that all live in CT. Jonathan Dubois, his wife Sharon, Jonathan's children Taylor and Molly and their mother, Kelley Taylor Dubois; Glenn Dubois, and his two sons, Benn (Megan) and Christopher; Kelly Dubois; Tammy Dubois and her son Gavin. Joan is also survived by five of seventeen siblings, Gladys Ilardo, Jacqueline Buccola, Freddie Roy, Bert Roy, and Joe Roy. Joan was also loved dearly by the extended Dubois' Family who always had a special place in her heart. To match her colorful spirit, we ask that anyone who attends her services dress in vibrant colors to celebrate her life. Her favorite color was red. To honor Joan Roy, donations can be made to your local Meals on Wheels program or food pantry. Calling Hours will be held on Friday, April 11th from 4pm till 7pm at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 10am at St. Bridget Church, located at 80 Main Street, Manchester CT, followed by Burial at St. James Cemetery, located at 368 Broad Street, Manchester CT. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com