Joan A. (Downer) Coonan, 75 of Worcester passed away, Sunday, February 9th at home, following an eighteen year battle with cancer. She leaves her husband of 53 years, William F. Coonan; three sons, Michael G., William S. and Timothy P. Coonan all of Worcester; six grandchildren, Meghan, Kelly, Christina, Mackenzie, Glenn and Danny; her brother, Gerald Downer of Sterling and her sister, Patricia St. Laurent of Monmouth, ME and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by twelve brothers and sisters.

     She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Wallace and Veronica (Mackenzie) Downer and was the youngest of fifteen children. Joan graduated in 1956 from St. Peter’s High School; and had been employed by Melville Shoe, The Worcester Medical Bureau and the Visiting Nurse Association, before retiring in 1996 due to illness. Mrs. Coonan was a long time volunteer for the Ty Cobb Little League and Babe Ruth League and enjoyed attending numerous athletic events, to watch her sons and grandchildren participate. She loved the ocean, and her fondest memories are the camping trips to Cape Cod, Peter’s Pond, Hyannisport and the beaches of Maine with family and friends.

     The family extends their appreciation to her doctors and nurses and especially to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Mass for their professional and personal care.

     The funeral is Thursday, February 13th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park. Calling hours are Wednesday, February 12th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the VNA-Central MA, 191 Pakachoag Street, Auburn, MA 01501 or Why Me & Sherry’s House, 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602.