Joan Hamilton Brackett, age 82, of Marblehead, passed away on Sept.1 surrounded by family after a long period of declining health.
Born May 3, 1943, in Marblehead, she was the daughter of the late Jane Phippen and Lindsey Brackett.
Joan’s survived by her sisters Lois Budrose, Leslie Brackett, Alison Weeks and Stephanie Perro; and nephew, Wesley Budrose; along with cousin Anne Mahoney and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Jane Phippen, father Lindsey Brackett, stepfather Carl Kenerson and sister Elizabeth Brackett.
Joan was a graduate of Forsythe Dental School and worked as a dental hygienist. She went on to become a flight attendant for United Airlines where she “earned her wings to fly with the angels.” She was a real animal lover, especially to her more than six cats.
Joan chooses to be remembered for her adventurous spirit, with lifelong friends and a family with lots of laughter and love. She had no regrets and was thankful for everything life brought to her. She was able to live in her favorite cities across the US, including Los Angeles, Santa Fe and Phoenix, and in the White Mountains.
Joan was always on the move and wanted to be remembered as “a happy rolling stone.”
As actress Myrna Loyd said, for her, life always meant “not a having and getting, but a being and becoming” — a mantra Joan lived by, as she always “did it her own way.”
Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral service which be held graveside at Harmony Grove Cemetery, Grove St., Salem, on Monday, Sept., 8, at 11 a.m. Please meet at the main gate on Grove Street at 10:45 a.m. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common), Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA or your local animal shelter. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com.
