Charismatic and loving, enjoyed sailing with Bob
Publish July 22, 2020
LYNNFIELD — Joan E. Mitchell, of Lynnfield and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 7, 2020. She was the beloved wife of Daniel R. “Bob” Mitchell of Lynnfield, formerly of Winthrop.
Born in Jamaica Plain, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Helen (Sheehan) Connor. Joan was the devoted and loving mother of Daniel R. Mitchell Jr. (Sue); Jane E. Mitchell; and Susan Keene (Bradford), all of Lynnfield. She adored her four granddaughters: Alana Julian, Lily Keene and Ashley and Brooke Mitchell.
Joan began her career as a flight attendant for Northeast Airlines. She was a woman before her time, raising a family while building a career. She worked for three decades at Logan Airport. As manager of terminal services and public information programs for Massport, she developed the educational tour program, the interpreters program for foreign visitors and supervisors for each of Logan’s terminals. Joan is considered a legend at Massport and though she retired in 1993; still today, when passing through the airport someone would always be calling out Joan’s name and rushing over to give her a hug.
But the most important part of her life was her family. She will love them forever and will always be with them. In their 63 years together, Joan and Bob sailed their boat, the JEM, for 20 years from Boston to the Cape and Islands. She loved golfing with her friends and husband. Charismatic and loving, she will be missed by her many friends and family.
A memorial Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 17 Grove St., Lynnfield on Friday, July 17. Relatives and friends were invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s memory to the Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Ln., Alexandria, VA 22314.
