Below is an obituary from Casper Funeral & Cremation Services:
BROOKLINE, MA — Joan M. Arsenault, 72, passed onto glory on January 21, 2026. Joan was born in Waltham MA and lived in Wilmington, MA in her early years and was a longtime resident of Brookline, MA until her passing. She is survived by her sisters Yvonne MacGilvray and her husband, Paul of Derry, NH, Donna Hamilton of Stuart, FL, Sharon Arsenault also of Stuart, FL, nephews Alex MacGilvray, Joshua Hamilton and niece Devin Browning, her husband Gardner (Bud), and her great nephew Gardner (Buddy). She is also survived by granddaughter Marley Brown. She was predeceased by her daughter, Nicole Jenkins and her parents Alex and Stella. Her sweet companion, Bibi her cat, remains with the family and will be loved as much as Joan loved her.
Joan was beloved by many, many friends, most of whom she knew for decades. Her friends brought her so much joy and laughter and were her rock during hard times. Joan was a devout believer in Jesus Christ and loved the Lord with all her heart. She always helped others and gave selflessly, and she always put those she loved first. Throughout her life she fought against injustice and prejudice, and for those who suffered.
Joan was her high school Valedictorian, and then attended Northeastern University, Roxbury Community College, and graduated from ITT and spent her career as a phlebotomist, working for Boston hospitals and physician offices until her retirement as a blood bank supervisor at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was a member of the St. Paul AME Church and took many pastoral courses. She was active in many causes for equality of the races and for the underserved. She was a guest of the family at the Inauguration of President Barack Obama during his first term.
She loved the ocean – whether in her beloved New England, or Florida while visiting family, or Mexico where she loved to vacation – and she walked hundreds of miles on the sand praying to God and expressing her love and gratitude for His Grace. She collected heart-shaped rocks which were a symbol of God’s love to her on those walks and was an avid sea glass collector.
Her laugh was infectious, and she was very compassionate. Whether she knew you for days or for decades, she took an interest in you and your life and was warm and kind to all, except people who cut her off in traffic. She loved the Three Stooges, Criminal Minds, and listened to the best of the old Motown and Gospel classics. She enjoyed cooking for those she loved and her fried chicken was legendary.
In addition to the loving friends of our sister who were so good to her, the family would like to acknowledge the many amazing professionals who cared for our sister the past several years, especially those who helped her remain home. You gave us all additional time with Joan and eased her pain through your compassion. Thank you isn’t a big enough word and you all have our love and gratitude.
She leaves a big hole in our hearts and will be very missed. The world is dimmer without her light but she is in the arms of her Savior, where she has no pain or illness. We will see her again in Heaven, and until then we can be blessed with the memories of this extraordinary sister, aunt, and friend who gave us so much love.
At Joan’s request there is no service. In her memory, please consider a donation to: Save the Children, the Humane Society, or the Brookline Food Pantry. Above all else, help each other, spread joy, and show compassion to all as Joan did.
Thank you with deep gratitude, the family of Joan Arsenault.
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