

Visitation
Committal Service
Obituary of Joan R. Menchin
Joan R. (Reed-Yeadon) Menchin, of Belmont, NH, formerly of Burlington, MA, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family.
Joan was born in Waltham, MA to George and Lillian Reed. Tragically, her mother passed away when Joan was just five years old, prompting the family to move to her grandparents' farm in Burlington, located at Woods Corner on Middlesex Turnpike. The Reed family had deep roots in Burlington - her ancestor, Captain James Reed’s home was located where the Burlington Mall is today. During the British march of Lexington and Concord, John Hancock and Samuel Adams took refuge at his home during that invasion.
Joan often shared fond memories of her childhood. She helped on the farm and would walk with her lifelong best friend, Lillian (Lil) Larson, from beyond the Burlington Mall to Center School.
Joan married Frederick J. (Fred J.) Yeadon from Lexington and settled down to raise a family on Lexington Street in Burlington. As a devoted mother of six, Joan stayed home to raise her children, creating a loving, supportive environment for her family, and even returning back to her roots by having horses and watching her daughters ride. She took on odd jobs, like ironing clothes and babysitting, to help provide for them. Once her children were older and well-established in school, Joan returned to the workforce, finding fulfillment as a finance administrator at Wang alongside her best friend Lil, and later Raytheon.
Joan was the rock everyone relied on — a woman with a heart full of warmth and a constant source of strength and inspiration. It’s no surprise that everyone called her “Mother”. Joan ensured her children had opportunities to pursue their interests, whether it was playing sports or achieving a strong education. She was always present for their sporting events, especially proud of her sons' accomplishments in hockey.
Family vacations were filled with adventure. Fred converted a 1949 Studebaker bus into a camper, known to all as “the bus,” which they kept in New Hampshire. While it wasn’t exactly “glamping” (there was no running water or electricity, and the hammock bunk beds were stacked three high!) Joan made it work, ensuring her children had unforgettable experiences each summer.
In the early 60s, Joan and Fred ended their marriage, but remained incredibly close. She then married Robert (Bob) Menchin, and together, in the 70s, they bought a piece
of land on the shore of Lake Winnisquam in Belmont, NH. They began with a humble shed and eventually built a cozy two-bedroom home that became a beloved gathering place for generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren for decades. Everyone was welcome, and Joan’s signature phrase was, "We’ll figure it out!" The record number of overnight guests was an impressive 30! The family enjoyed activities like horseshoes, boating (on her beloved pontoon boats), swimming, campfires, games, and card tournaments. In the winter, they skated and played hockey on the frozen lake. Joan would always find a way to gather her family together, especially for the holidays, which were tremendously important in the Yeadon/Menchin household.
In her later years, Joan enjoyed traveling to Europe and spending winters in Ft. Pierce, Florida, making the most of her time with her loved ones. After the loss of Bob, Joan was fortunate enough to find love later in life when she met her partner, Edwin (Eddie) Keenan up at the lake in NH.
Joan’s greatest legacy is her family. She was giving, a great listener, nonjudgmental, forgiving, and understanding. Joan’s soft-spoken nature, unwavering support, and strength during tough times earned her the deepest admiration from all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family for generations.
Joan was the wife of the late Robert (Bob) Menchin and Frederick (Fred J.) Yeadon. She was the companion of the late Edwin (Ed) Keenan. She was the loving mother and mother-in-law of the late Warren Yeadon & his wife Lois of Belmont, NH. Bonnie Pavone of Burlington, Dan Yeadon & his wife Susan of Groton, Barry Yeadon & his wife Pam of Burlington, Brian Yeadon & his wife Jane of Burlington, Jill Shaughnessy & her husband Mike of Westford, Carole Garren & her husband Jim of Ft. Pierce, FL. and Aunt of Mark Lewis of Haverhill, MA. Joan was the sister of William Reed and his wife Deb of Mifflinburg, PA, the late Janice Lewis and Edward Reed.
Joan was the proud grandmother of Michelle Zelandi & her husband David, Ed Yeadon & his wife Laura, Tracey Healey & her husband Rich, Victoria Kirchner & her husband Tim, Joe Pavone & his wife Sharon, Amanda Pavone, the late Emily Yeadon, Sam Yeadon & his wife Bryanna, Jay Yeadon, Jason Yeadon & his wife Allison, Gina Jones & her husband Kellen, Joseph Yeadon & his wife Christina, Carlee Yeadon, Rachael Settipani & her husband Michael, Jaclyn Finn & her husband Christopher, Casey Shaughnessy, Robert Garren & his wife Tammy. She was the great-grandmother of Kylee Boles Reed & her husband Blake, Tyler Kirchner, Austin Arseneault & his wife Stephanie, Trevor Arseneault & his wife Emily, Eddie and his wife Laura. Joey, and Julia Yeadon, Kassidy Kamryn, Emersyn, and Chase Kirchner, Kenzie Kattich & her husband Tristen, Alyssa, and Ricky Healey, Rylie Pavone, Amelia and Anthony Jones, Christian Settipani, William, Caroline, and Elizabeth Finn, Joshua, Joey, Ashley, and Amber Garren.
She was the great-great-grandmother of Zane, Zella, Stevie, Hendrix, and Bryson. Joan was also a foster mother, aunt, and friend. She also joins her beloved, late dog, “Alfie”.
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Friday, January 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Pine Haven Cemetery on Saturday, February 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to MSPCA at Nevins Farm, www.mspca.org, care of MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130.
Edward V. Sullivan
Funeral Home
43 Winn Street
Burlington, MA 01803
Ph: (781) 272-0050
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