1930 - 2015
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Born June 30, 1930 in Dorchester, the daughter of the late Brendan P. Kilbride and Gertrude M. (O’Brien) Kilbride, she graduated from Milton High School and was a member of the first class of women at Boston College, graduating with her degree in nursing in 1951. In 1952 she married John J. Gaudet of Everett, they had six children and settled in Reading. Joan, became a dedicated advocate for social change and the betterment of others. She was involved in a number of community groups including: the Christian Family Movement, organizing Spanish-speaking masses, and housing foreign exchange students from the Experiment in International Living. In addition she was very active in the Civil Rights and Fair Housing movements.
In the late 60s Joan worked to establish the Haley House, a Boston shelter and soup kitchen. A devoted pacifist, Joan supported the antiwar activities, led a successful campaign against the construction of an Anti Ballistic Missiles site and chaired the local effort to nominate Senator Eugene McCarthy for president in 1968. In addition she helped establish Project Trust, the first drug hotline in the area.
Through the 80s and 90s Joan worked a RN at Massachusetts Bay Community College and Middlesex Community College. She participated in Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study, and she served on the Norwood Handicapped Commission to assure handicapped access to public buildings. Later retiring to North Chelmsford, Joan spent much of her time with her passion for art including watercolor painting and candle making.
Joan leaves her one sister, Gertrude Malden of Taunton; her son Daniel and his wife Patricia of Everett; her son Thomas and his wife Martina of Uxbridge; her son Mark and his wife Virginia Mayer of Northampton; her daughter Lisa Corsetti of Tewksbury; her daughter Amy Crockett and her husband Charles of Norwood; and her son Matthew of North Chelmsford. She also leaves fourteen loving grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours Thurs. 4 to 8 P.M. Funeral Fri. at 8A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 9A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Chelmsford. Burial in the Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haley House Soup Kitchen and Live-in Community, 23 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Jackie
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I remember Nana always telling us the story about when she went to the beach when she was younger and her mother went to go into the water and fell. And each time she attempted to stand up another wave would knock her down. Each time Nana told that story, everyone around listening would smile and laugh.
Maureen Jones
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My condolences to all the Gaudet family on the loss of Joan. She was a great lady, inspiring those in her company to be compassionate and helpful in the most practical ways. She also showed us how to laugh and hold to the spirit of giving our best. I am a better person for having known her. You are in my prayers,
Maureen.
Lorrie
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Amy and I were inseparable in our teen years, therefore I was always over the Gaudet house. So many great memories came from knowing the Gaudets. The pain of losing a parent is tremendous. My condolences to the family, please give them comfort and strength in knowing their Mom is at peace. RIP Mrs. Gaudet. You will be missed by many. Your memory will live in our hearts forever.
((Hugs)) Lorrie <3
Kathy Gish
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My sincere condolences to you and your family Tom..I know how hard it is to lose your mom. I never realized how accomplished she was you should take great pride in all that she had done and become…Love to you all ..
Tom and Kathy Gish
Bob Caramanica
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My sincere condolences to my cousins and their families. I have many great memories of Aunt Joan and our family gatherings. Know she is at peace now and she will be in your hearts forever.
Jayde
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I used to watch all her soaps with her in the living room.
Len d'Eon
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I knew Joannie…and John was one of my best friends back when we were all Boston College students. They were great kids….They really were. I lost contact with them years ago…after I returned from the war in Korea.
Living in Arizona for many years, we still maintain an old house in old Acadia, now Nova Scotia.
If Joannie’s kids and grandkids are anything like Joannie, they must be great….and best to them all.
Len d’Eon