Joan S. (Bieksha) Carlstrom, 81, of Rochdale, died Thursday, April 2, 2015, surrounded by the people she loved most at the home of her daughter Kirsten after an incredibly brave two-year battle with lung cancer.

Her husband Francis R. Carlstrom, a retired Sergeant in the Massachusetts State Police, died in 1983.

Joan leaves two daughters, Kirsten M. Daigneault and her husband Mark of Charlton, and Kristina J. Carlstrom-Benoit of Worcester; two granddaughters, Jordan P. and Dillan S. Daigneault, a grandson, Aidan P.F. “Buddy” Daigneault, all of Charlton; a brother, Richard “Dick” Bieksha and his wife Marilyn of Rutland, and two nephews, Steven and David Bieksha.

Joan was born in Worcester, daughter of Stanley and Sophia (Blavakas) Bieksha. She has lived in Rochdale for more than 25 years.

Joan was a graduate of the former St. Casimir’s School in Worcester and later took business courses at a Worcester school.

She worked for many years in the administrative support staff at Quinsigamond Community College. She was an administrative assistant to several deans and academic officials at Quinsig. In her last position before her retirement, she worked with Richard Baldwin, the Dean of the Math and Social Sciences Department.

Joan was an accomplished artist. She painted principally with oils, creating phenomenal paintings. She was also an awesome grandmother to her three wonderful grandchildren.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. On Wednesday, April 8, there will be a calling hour at 11 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a funeral service at Noon. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.