Published in the May 19, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Joan C. (Knight) McGeoch, a lifelong resident of Melrose and Cotuit, passed away peacefully in Melrose under the care of her loving family on Wednesday, May 10, at age 85.
Joan was born in Boston on November 5, 1931, daughter of the late Hugh and Ruth (Driver) Knight. Raised in Melrose, Joan was a member of the Melrose High School Class of 1949, and received her associate’s degree in Science from the Garland Junior College in Boston.
As a devoted mother, she dedicated much of her strength to raising her children while also working to support the family. She worked for the Melrose Housing Authority as the resident coordinator for 20 years.
With her great independence and strength, Joan was a strong-willed, honest woman. As a young mother, she was very involved with her son’s hockey games, and daughters’ figure skating events. She also served on the Board of Governors for the Commonwealth Figure Skating Club, and as the Secretary of the Melrose Tennis Association.
She was an avid Red Sox fan, and enjoyed summer weekends and vacations at the family home in Cotuit with her family. As a child, Joan was also a member of the Cotuit Yacht Club where she learned a love of sailing from her parents. Most of all, she loved her family.
Joan was the longtime companion of Harvey J. Collins of Melrose. She was the devoted mother of Linda J. Marks of Worcester, Nancy K. Dellea and her husband Michael of South Hampton, NH, and Douglas W. McGeoch and his wife Laurie of Newton, NH. Grandmother of Jennifer McGeoch of Newton, NH and the late Thomas and Geoffrey Sullivan of Melrose.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Joan’s life for a graveside service at Walnut Grove Cemetery, 30 Sylvan St., Danvers on Wednesday, May 17 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Joan’s name.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
