Joan (Deschene) Brooks

Northbridge- Joan (Deschene) Brooks of Douglas, formerly of Northbridge and Dover-Foxcroft, ME, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family, following a period of declining health.

         She is survived by her children, Joan (Charles) Brothers of Douglas; Joseph H. Brooks, Ill of North Grosvenordale, CT; Julie (Jason) Phelps of Douglas: Lisa (James) Cove of Douglas, with whom she made her home; and Lynn (Eric) Johnson of Topsham, ME, and by her sister, Sharon McCarthy, of Uxbridge. Joan leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Jarrod and Aaron Brothers, Melissa and Lori Brooks, Samuel and Benjamin Phelps, Chad Fletcher and Leann (Steven) Rosenlund, and Emily Johnson. Joan also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Brianna and Brendon Brothers; Brody, Mason and Colton Fletcher, Wesley and Cameron Rosenlund, Avery Phelps, Magnus Andersen, Aspen Cove, and many dear nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Joseph H. “Sonny” Brooks Jr., her son, Jeffrey Brooks, and by her brothers Doug Deschene and Ronnie Deschene.

         Born in Whitinsville, MA on February 10, 1938 to Napoleon and Phoebe (Plante) Deschene, Joan was educated in the Northbridge Public Schools. She worked locally at Tuppers, GE and The Usual. Following her husband's retirement, she and Joe moved to Dover-Foxeroft, ME in 1992, returning home to reside with her daughter, Lisa, in 2018. 

         Joan enjoyed puzzles and was a voracious reader. She looked forward to trips to St. Maarten with Peg and Stan Rozak and to the casino with her siblings, Ronnie and Sharon. An accomplished cook and baker, Joan was known for her warmth and unconditional love, and her home was one where the door was always open and the coffee was on; she was a people person who genuinely enjoyed each interaction thoroughly. She embraced life, lending her sense of humor and infectious laugh to anyone she spoke with, and she loved to speak with everyone, feeling that strangers were just friends she hadn't yet met. She was most at home with a houseful of friends and family, displaying her expertise in cooking and baking, but always held those special gatherings with her family as a loving first priority, dispensing hugs, laughter, advice and wisdom with love.

                 Her funeral home service will be held in Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St., Whitinsville, on Friday, February 23rd at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, South Grafton. Memorial calling hours will be held prior to the service from 9:30- 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's name may be made to the American Red Cross, or to a charity of one's choice. To leave a condolence message for her family please visit: http://www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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