Joan Patricia (White) Conrad passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving husband of over 62 years, Richard Conrad, and their four children.

Joan was truly one-of-a-kind. An extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all.

Joan was born in Worcester on November 7, 1939, to Theodore and Elizabeth (O’Brien) White. After graduating from Commerce High School, she met and married the love of her life, Richard, on June 25, 1960. Together they forged a 62-year partnership that included their four children whom she was so fiercely proud of, a family that she was devoted to, and a home she created with love and took so much pride in.

Joan leaves her daughter Elizabeth Conrad Sargent; sons Shawn and wife Christine, Kevin and wife Lisa, and Thomas and wife Charlene, all of whom lovingly and devotedly cared for her over these last months.

She leaves 13 grandchildren that she loved with all her heart. Sarah (and husband Daniel Heavey), Andrew and Matthew; Meghan (and husband Al Lavin), Daniel and Brian; Ashley (and husband Kyle LaBreck), Thomas, Patrick (and wife Brittany) and Eric; Kayleigh, TJ and Joseph. She also leaves 10 Great-grandchildren that brought her so much joy. Grace, Patrick, Mason, Cameron, Madison, Nicholas, Theodore, Claire, Emma and Harry.

Joan was a domestic engineer of the highest order. She loved all things family and home. Her Sunday morning open-house breakfasts are legendary. The bigger the crowd, the happier she was, making sure everyone left ‘Joan’s Cafe’ with a full belly and a smile on their face!

Joan and Richard raised their family in Sterling MA for 38 years before moving to Holden 18 years ago. They enjoyed many years vacationing at their Myrtle Beach condo, as well as traveling throughout the US and the world, most memorably to the Vatican. Joan practiced a strong Christian faith. A parishioner at St Richard’s Catholic Church in Sterling and then St Mary’s Catholic Church in Holden where she served as Eucharistic Minister for many years and as a loyal Parish volunteer.

Joan also served her community in so many ways, volunteering for the American Cancer Society as well as the Society for the Blind, she was a poll worker during local elections and opening her home as a Foster Parent. She also volunteered at every snack shack at baseball fields and basketball gyms wherever her children were involved! She was instrumental in creating the Sterling Softball program and forged many friendships as part of the Wachusett Bridge Club.

Joan was a loyal sports fan, first and foremost for all her children’s and grandchildren’s teams, in addition to the Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots and UCONN Women’s Basketball.

Joan was predeceased by her sister Dennis (Harrington), and brothers William and James White.

She is survived by brother Thomas White, who now carries on the White family legacy.
Joan is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom she loved deeply.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Beacon Hospice, specifically Gina, Rocky and caregiver Jaden, who provided such compassionate care and support over Joan’s final weeks.

Joan’s funeral will be celebrated Saturday, March 25, 2023. Calling hours will be held at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden, from 9:30-11:30 am with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 pm at St Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St, Jefferson. Burial will be held privately at a later date.