NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Joan Virginia (LaPierre) Farinon, 85, of North Adams, Mass., went to her heavenly father from Williamstown Commons on Friday, March 17, 2017. 

Joan was born on March 17, 1932 to the late Joseph LaPierre and Pauline Frances (Stanesky) LaPierre.

She was educated in North Adams and graduated from Drury High School in 1949. After high school she went to work at Sprague Electric until its close in 1987. She then worked as an office clerk at A. Shapiro & Sons until 1997 when she retired. In 1998 she went back to work for the City of North Adams, in the City Clerk’s office, where she enjoyed her duties, especially dog licensing and talking to everyone who came to the office.

In her earlier life she was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in North Adams and later the North Adams Historical Society. She was a faithful member of St. Frances Church.

Joan was an avid reader and collector of many books. She often enjoyed lending her books to friends who enjoyed her side notes about the story. During the summer and fall she enjoyed picnics with family and friends, bingo and watching movies.

Joan is the widow of Lindbergh B. Farinon whom she married on July 16, 1955. Lindy died unexpectedly on January 4, 1994. She is predeceased by her brother Robert J.H. LaPierre who passed away on August 7, 2016.

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Farinon of North Carolina; two sons, Dennis of North Adams and Marc Farinon of Dalton, Mass.; and four grandchildren, Stephanie Sheridan of Virginia, Abby Sheridan of Connecticut, Nicco DeGennaro of North Adams and Marc Farinon Jr. of Florida. She also enjoyed her great-granddaughter, Isabella Grace.

A special thank you to the companion Carol Lahue, who cared for her while she was at her home and continued her friendship with Joan until her passing, and to the wonderful staff of unit one at Williamstown Commons who are angels of love, and to the hospice advocates for their generous support during this difficult time. 

Funeral notice: A graveside service to celebrate the life of Joan Farinon will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 1 p.m.  at Southview Cemetery in North Adams. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Donations in her memory can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or North Adams Public Library.