May 11, 1936 – April 23, 2022
Joan D. (Axtman) Allan a resident of North Reading for 15 years, formerly of Reading, died unexpectedly at her home on April 23, 2022. She was 85 years of age. Joan was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 11, 1936, the daughter of the late John and Helene (Heindl) Axtman.
Joan was raised in Dedham and was a graduate of Dedham High School, Class of 1954. In her early years, Joan was an active member of the Pricilla Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She held various jobs over the years. When she retired she was an administrative assistant at Old South United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in its choir as well as the choir at the Union Congregational Church of North Reading. At one time, she was a soloist at the Reading Christian Science Church. Joan enjoyed singing at nursing homes and volunteering in the coffee shop at the Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton, ME. Joan also worked for the Reading Memorial HS English & AV Departments, Addison Wesley and various dentists around town. Most recently, Joan enjoyed greeting and helping visitors at the North Reading Town Hall. She was an avid cribbage player at the Reading & Stoneham Senior Centers and would drive periodically to Wells, ME to enjoy a friendly competition with her Maine friends. Joan enjoyed playing the piano, singing and reading. She was an avid Red Sox fan. She loved the beach and summers at SeaVu South in Wells, ME and for 25 years she summered at Birch Point Colony Club in Naples, ME.
Joan was the beloved wife of the late Robert B. Allan. Devoted mother of Bonnie L. Hughes and her husband William of Reading, John R. Allan and his wife Joanne of Westford and Robert B. Allan, Jr. and his longtime companion Joanne Ferris of New Fairfield, CT. Cherished sister of the late Priscilla Mouse. She was the loving grandmother of Christopher and his wife Olivia and the late Nicholas Ventullo; Scott and Brett Allan; Katie and Jessie Allan and loving great grandmother of James and Nathaniel Ventullo.
A funeral service celebrating Joan’s life will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the Union Congregational Church 148 Haverhill St. North Reading at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Charles Lawn Cemetery in Reading. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 5 at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 4:00-8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to the Union Congregational Church Music Fund 148 Haverhill St. North Reading, MA 01864.
