Joan Carol DesRoches

Joan Carol DesRoches - formerly of Needham and Falmouth, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the age of 93, surrounded by her loving family. May she rest in the peace of the Lord. She was the devoted daughter of C. Edward DesRoches and Evelyn (Baker) DesRoches. Joan was predeceased by her cherished sister Colette Hearn and brother Edward DesRoches, both of Needham.

Born August 19,1930 in Boston, Joan attended Sacred Heart School in Newton and was a graduate of Regis College. She had lived in Needham for over 70 years and was a faithful parishioner of St Joseph Church. Joan was a brilliant mathematician who worked for MITRE Corp. She had a long and exemplary career in the fields of technology and mathematics, including contributing to work to advance the national space program. Joan was a world traveler, but no place on earth compared to her wonderful home in Falmouth, her generosity in sharing her home ensured that countless relatives and friends also made special memories on Cape Cod.

Throughout her life, Joan consistently embodied many gifts of the Spirit. Her kindness, gentleness, and patience were evidenced by her devoted and selfless care of her dear mother, brother, and sister. We are greatly comforted to know they are now reunited in their eternal home. Joan was deeply committed to her large extended family and, was a tremendous and much-loved aunt of her 27 nieces and nephews and their families. Her Catholic faith was central to her life, and she modeled faithful living and trust in God throughout any challenge or hardship. She was truly an inspiration to her family.

Grateful for her life of love and devotion are her surviving sisters, Priscilla Kelley of Franklin, M. Evelyn Doherty of Wayland (formerly of Wellesley), Dorothy Bond of Franklin, and her brother-in-law Robert Hearn of Needham. Joan will also be greatly missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family, and devoted friends

and caregivers. We will cherish the many special memories we hold of our deeply loved Joan.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham, on Thursday, December 28th at 11am. Visitation will be held in the church from 10-11am, prior to Mass. Interment to follow Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.

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