Joan D. Reynolds, age 64, of Lynn, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2014 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Lynn, Joan was the daughter of the late Frederick S. Reynolds, Jr. and Geraldine (Moran/Nault) Reynolds. She was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School Class of 1967 and a lifelong Lynn resident. She earned a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Literature from Salem State University and a Master in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island, where she was inducted into the Beta Phi Mu Library Science Life Honorary Society. Joan served the City of Lynn as a librarian at the Lynn Public Library for 30 years, the last 13 years as Chief Librarian until medical issues required her to retire.
Upon her retirement, she was appointed by the Mayor as one of the first members of the Lynn Disability Commission. She was also active and involved in many civic and community activities including serving on the board of the Lynn Historical Society and Lynn Kiwanis Club, where she was named Kiwanian of the Year. Joan was also a member of the Lynn Business and Professional Woman's Organization where she was named "Woman of the Year." Joan was involved in the local cable station as production assistant as well as hosting the annual Lynn Library Live Auction for 10 years.
Professionally, she was involved in the American Library Association and the New England Library Association. Throughout her career and into retirement, Joan produced a number of programs on Lynn topics that she presented to community and church groups throughout the area and until recently, she wrote articles and edited for "Pet Tails" Magazine. Her hobbies included reading, collecting British Royalty memorabilia, needlework, photography and genealogy.
She is survived by two brothers: P. Leon Nault and Brian Reynolds both of Lynn and one sister: Gail Elwell and her husband Richard of Ipswich. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a special family friend, Lyn O'Brien of Australia. She was predeceased by sisters, Shirley Daum and Barbara Laine and brother, Charles Owen Nault.
Graveside Services will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery, 145 Boston St. LYNN on Saturday at 12:00PM. Relatives and friends invited are invited to meet inside the main gate at 11:45AM. At Joan's request, there will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 14, 2014
Jo Sullivan
To Joan's family, friends and colleagues,
Please accept my deepest sympathy; I was so sad to read of her death. She was a kind and dedicated professional, whom I knew as a patron and a Washington School parent and a member of the Friends of the Library.
May she rest in perfect peace.
November 7, 2014
Jeanne Boucher
Dear Gail,Brian,and Leon,I was saddened to hear of cousin Joan's passing.I have fond memories of meeting at Nana and Grampa's house and Uncle Fred and Aunt Gerry's home as children and playing together with Joan,Barbara,and Karen.May God comfort you in this time of grief.Love,Jeanne
November 6, 2014
My condolences to Joan's family. I grew up across the street from all of you and always have happy thoughts of the kids on Winnepurkit Avenue and the fun we shared. Joan was one of those wonderful memories. May she rest in peace. Ginger (Pierce) Murphy
November 6, 2014
Stephen Eddy
My condolences to the family and friends of Joan, a lady who enriched my life with her vast knowledge.
November 6, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Joan was always so kind to Uncle Don and I. She is fondly remembered by all our family. Aunt Doreen and Family (Mission Viejo, Ca.)
November 6, 2014
Cindy (Nadeau) Aiello
Dear Cousins,
I am very sorry to hear of Joan's passing.
We've lost so many Reynolds,
and it stings to lose another one.
May you have peace of mind
and find joy of heart and fond memories.
November 4, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. May Joan rest in peace.
November 3, 2014
Jeanette Maes
My Friend, Joan
Her lease on earth has ended
She has been called back to
God's heavenly realm
Beyond the reach of pain and worry
To where peace and tranquility reign
She will be praised for her fine work
Many facets of generosity,
Her warm giving heart that answered
So many calls of need.
Though her body is lost to us
Her spirit will always be
A treasure that can not be lost,
For it's on a pedestal of
Our fondest memories.
-Jeanette C. Maes-
November 3, 2014
Doris Edmonds
My condolences to the family and friends of Joan. May she rest in peace.
November 3, 2014
Christine Lander
Thank you, Joan, for the wonderful memories I have reading and working in the Children's Department. Your kindness and generosity were endless. I am so grateful for the years we worked together.
With deepest sympathy,
Christine (Watson) Lander
November 3, 2014
Valerie Coviello
With heartfelt sympathy to your family from our ours.
Mike & Valerie Coviello and family
November 3, 2014
Kathy Dennis-Prestia
I worked with Joan for 25 years at the Lynn Public Library and am so sad to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences to her family.
November 3, 2014
Marielle Dubuisson
My thoughts and prayers are with you Gail and the rest of the Reynolds family at this time. We all going to miss her very much, but she will be in a good place.
God love you all.
Marielle
November 3, 2014
Joyce Josephson
Gail, Brian, Leon, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. This past week, I have come to know Joan better through you, and look forward to hearing more stories about life with her. love and (((hugs))) Joan, I hope you are enjoying your harp and mime free zone in heaven. You are much loved and missed.
November 3, 2014
Barbara Mann
Joan --You will be in our thoughts and missed each day. Tony and Barbara
November 2, 2014
Lyn O'Brien
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with all Joan's family and friends at this very sad time. We will hold in our hearts wonderful memories of a much loved friend. lots of love Lyn, Michael, Marg, Matthew, Kath, Adrian, and much loved Auntie Joan of Kasia, Hannah, Thomas, Ella and Daniel xoxoxo
November 2, 2014
Gail Elwell
Joan had become the Reynolds matriarch, the glue that held us all together. I know we will all get through this but life as we know it will never be the same! RIP Joan, forever in our hearts! We LOVE and MISS you! Love, Gail, Richie, Brian and Leon
November 1, 2014
The Staff of Cuffe McGinn Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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