Obituary of Joan M Duncan

Joan M. (Gallagher) Duncan, a woman of faith who was devoted to her family, passed away at the Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley on Thursday, May 28, 2015. The beloved wife of the late Garvin Duncan, she was 78 years old. Joan was born in Boston. She was raised and educated in Charlestown. She was one of 11 children born to the late William and Alexandria Gallagher. Joan and her husband Garvin married and settled in Somerville. At the time of her marriage her father-in-law was recently widowed so Joan and Garvin helped raise Garvin’s younger siblings in addition to starting their own family. After a period of time Joan and Garvin moved to Burlington where they would raise their 6 children. They lived on Liberty Avenue which was a tight knit neighborhood. Family vacations were spent in Gloucester where Garvin’s family had a summer home. Every year there was an annual trip to Canobie Lake and the local beaches in the area. Family dinners were an important part of the Duncan family most especially Sunday dinners. Joan’s faith was an important part of her life and she walked to daily Mass at St. Malachy’s – and went twice a day during the Lenten Season. After Sunday Mass Joan would treat her children with trip to Cenci Baker for hot fresh donuts! In addition to raising her family Joan found time to have a number of outside interests. She enjoyed shopping for antiques, going to craft fairs and gardening. Joan also enjoyed a good game of cards! With Garvin working for the Airlines they were able to take a number of trips together after their children were grown. As her children started their own families Joan once again went into “motherhood mode” helping to take care of and raise her grandchildren. In actuality Joan helped raise three families during her lifetime. Joan will be remembered as a giving woman who always cared for others. Joan was the beloved wife of the late of the late Garvin Duncan. She was the loving mother of James Duncan of Burlington, Joan Larkee of LA, Bill Duncan of Billerica, John Duncan of Billerica, Karen D’Entremont & her husband Tom of Billerica and Garvin Duncan of Burlington. Sister of Joseph Gallagher of FL, Patrick Gallagher of Burlington, Marilyn Martel, William Gallagher, Jr., Francis “Jim” Gallagher all of Billerica and the late Alice McDonald, Paul, Robert, James & John Gallagher. Proud Nana of Jeffery Jr, Brandon, Michelle & Matthew Wallace and Amanda, Timothy & Sgt. Nicholas D’Entremont US Army. Great Grandmother of Matthew, Sophia, Jeffery, Pierce & Chloe. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, June 1 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 12-3 pm Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 36 Cameron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 www.alzmass.org