Joan Lee Blake (nee Evans) was born on February 19, 1943, in Malden, MA, to John and Majorie Evans (nee Belmer) and grew up in Everett and Malden. Raised in a close-knit family, she cherished her childhood memories with her younger brother, Robert, and her several cousins who lived in the Everett and Haverhill areas. In her teen years, Joan, affectionately known as “Joanie” by her closest friends and family, enjoyed school dances, being with her many friends, becoming greatly involved in her church and school, and spending summers at the beach, especially York Beach, Maine. A trend that continued throughout her life.

After graduating Everett High School in 1961, Joan went on to study to be a medical secretary. It became a job she greatly enjoyed but she always knew that her ultimate calling was to be a wife and mother. As a teenager, Joan had met the love of her life, Ralph J. Blake, and in June of 1962, they were married. Starting their life together in Malden, MA, they later moved to Saugus, MA, where they raised 3 children, Scott, Christopher, and Allison, and were later blessed with 5 grandsons. Joan was a gifted seamstress, knitter, hostess, and decorator using her many talents to help family and friends and to serve her church of 35 years (Trinity Evangelical Church in North Reading, MA). When her children were of school-age, Joan became a very successful part-time salesperson in the large appliances department at Sears and Roebuck in Saugus and retired from the company after almost 30 years.

In their retirement years, Joan fulfilled a life-long dream when she and Ralph moved to York Beach, Maine where she spent the remainder of her days. Finally living in her favorite place on Earth, Joan found a new church, Bethany Church of Greenland, NH, and their satellite location in Kittery Point (Kittery, Maine), and once again became active attending several Bible studies and church events. She enjoyed spending her days shopping in thrift and antique shops, going to craft fairs, entertaining her friends and family at her home, and planning parties and events. When she wasn’t out-and-about, you could always find Joan soaking up the sun at the Long Sands and Cape Neddick Beaches in York. She loved all the seasons of New England and “could never live anywhere else,” but she thrived on making memories with her family during the summer months at the beach!

Joan was the heart of her family dedicating her life to nurturing and caring for her husband and each of her three children with a kindness and love that knew no bounds. As a mother, she was the embodiment of selflessness—always prioritizing the happiness and well-being of her children above her own and offering a heart full of compassion and encouragement. Her immeasurable love extended beyond her family to everyone she encountered. She had an innate ability to make those around her feel seen and treasured, bringing joy and enthusiasm to any room she entered. Her cheerful heart, generous spirit, and strong faith in God, provided a steady foundation for those around her. She found joy in simple pleasures: beach days, family gatherings, quiet moments at home, shopping yard sales, decorating her home for the seasons, crafting, knitting and sewing, curling up with a good book or watching one of her “stories” on TV. Whether through her comforting presence, infectious laughter, or nurturing spirit, Joan made the world a better place simply by being in it. Her love was a constant, and her support never faltered, even in the most challenging of times. After a 3-year heroic battle with small intestinal cancer, Joanie’s bright light was extinguished on January 15th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of joy, color, and an unwavering love for life.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 10:30 am at Rockingham Christian Church, 2 Keewaydin Drive in Salem, NH. Her children would like to request attendees to wear colors in honor of Joan who was a bright light to all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Amy’s Treat” (amystreat.org) a legacy foundation Joan believed in and thoroughly enjoyed many of its benefits. Amy’s Treat is “dedicated to providing solutions to the day-to-day difficulties of living with cancer and offers unexpected “treats” to renew the spirit.” (Direct from their website.)  

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/joan-blake/obituary/

Copy