Obituary of Joanne Rachel Desharnais

Joanne Rachel Desharnais, a devoted mother and strong woman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the age of 84. After a long illness, she leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and unwavering family devotion.

Born in Cambridge, Joanne was one of six children raised by Bertram and Jessie Bennett in Somerville's Magoon Square. By the age of 36, she found herself a single mother of three young children in their Teele Square apartment. Despite the challenges, Joanne persevered. For nearly 30 years, she worked tirelessly as an insurance claims representative at Prescott & Sons Insurance in Malden to ensure her children's well-being.

Joanne's life centered around her family. She cherished her children and maintained a close relationship with her sisters. They were her confidantes, sharing daily conversations, family updates, and offering unwavering support through life's joys and challenges. Holidays and celebrations were joyous family gatherings. In later years, she finally enjoyed trips to Bermuda with her daughter Jean, Disney World with John and his family and Aruba with her sister Sally that still has some untold stories.

Joanne is survived by her children, Jean Barbuzzi, her husband Dave and John Desharnais, his wife Michele, her grandchildren, Deanna Sleeper, her husband Tyler, Tyler Desharnais, and Connor Desharnais his fiancée Haley Allan, and her great-grandchildren, Emerson and Bodie Sleeper. “Nana” Joanne was so proud of her growing family. She is also survived by her siblings, James Bennett, Sally Scali, and Betty Bennett, and many loving nieces and nephews.  She joins her late son Paul who passed from leukemia in 1993 and brothers William and John Bennett in eternal rest.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 18, from 3-5 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington. A funeral service will be held at the Sullivan Funeral Home on Monday, August 19, at 10 am, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, where she will be laid to rest with her son Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/manh), 320 Nevada St #201, Newton, MA 02460.