Joan W Byrne

Joan (Wallace) Byrne, 85, died peacefully after a recent diagnosis of cancer, on September 29, 2022. She was the wife of the late William L. Byrne and the daughter of Charlie Wallace who predeceased her in 2001. Following graduation from Bourne High School in 1954, she attended Lowell State Teachers college and graduated from Boston University with an Associate of Arts degree.

In 1960 Joannie, as she was familiarly known to dear friends, graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in music education. After many years of teaching music, she received a degree in Home Economics and taught Music and Home Economics in the Bourne and Sandwich Public Schools.

Joannie’s special passion was her “kids”. Her students have often said that “Mom C”, as she was fondly called, played a large part of who they are today and the paths they took in life. Some of her favorite activities were boating, dining out - especially with her Saturday night group, knitting, sewing, shopping, and spending time in Florida. In the late 50s and early 60s, Joannie loved Gymkhana racing and she continued her love of cars throughout her life.

Joannie was a good friend to many people and the life of any party. She always loved a reason to celebrate. If you happened to be at a party with Joannie she would sometime break out in song. When people think of Joannie, they say: she sparkled; she was always full of joy; she had an infectious smile; she had a wonderful love of life; she was totally devoted to her family; she was classy, gregarious, and always full of laughter.

Joannie is survived by her dog, Katie and, of course, her daughter, Kathleen Coggeshall of Bourne; and three stepdaughters, Susan J. Byrne, Kathleen Ann and her husband John E. Pratt Jr, and Bonnie and her husband Donald Gallant Sr., all of Middleboro and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her cousin, Helen (Wallace) Smith and her very special friends and neighbors.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, from 4-7PM at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Boulevard, Bourne, Massachusetts. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 11AM at Saint Margaret of Scotland Church, 141 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Burial will be private.

Donations may be made to St. Margaret’s Parish, 141 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 or to the Friends of Plymouth Pound, c/o Gayle Elvander Fitzpatrick, P. O. Box 578, Manomet, MA 02345.