Joan Lois Poirier

Lifetime Humanitarian

May 10, 1936 – May 12, 2020

Born in Peabody MA, Joan lived her early life in Beverly and Salem, MA, and was a member of the Salem High School Class of 1954. For many years, Joan worked in retail, becoming the Manager of Nature Food Store at Liberty Mall. Here, Joan was able to tap into her creative talent, competing in decorating contests among the other retailers on many designated holidays and other occasions, often winning First Place. Joan's talents were diverse; she played the piano, created beautiful works of art in varied media, reclaimed and restored worn dolls and toys to distribute to less fortunate children at the holidays from an "Unknown Santa" or his "Helper Elf." Her humanitarian deeds were quietly enacted, without fanfare or expectation of praise. Joan lived to make life better for others, and she succeeded!

Joan is survived by her two sisters, Jeanne M. Kenney and her husband Richard A. Kenney, Sr. and her sister, Joyce A. Poirier, all of Salem, her son, John Joseph Dooley, her grandson, John Dooley and great grandchildren, Patrick and Kara Dooley and their mother April Dooley, all of Beverly. She also leaves a devoted Brother-in-Law, Charles Page, as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom she cared for as her own. Joan was pre-deceased by her infant daughter, Colleen Rose Dooley, her sister, Janice Elizabeth Page, and, most recently, by her nephew, Richard A. Kenney, Jr. also of Salem.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services are private. For more information please call 978-744-0497.