Joan Alice (Denner) Forrester age 84 of Plymouth, Massachusetts and Englewood Florida passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family, on June 2, 2025.
She was the youngest of four children born to Barbara (O’Donnell) Denner and John Denner. She attended Longfellow school in Roslindale, Girl’s Latin in Boston, and Northeastern University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in German.
Joan loved sports from an early age and loved competition. She played softball and basketball throughout her high school years and played on the woman’s basketball team at Northeastern University.
She was recruited to work in the computer industry in the early 60s and was only one of a few women in this role. She accepted a job in Colorado Springs at the ENT Air Force Base to work with the North American aerospace defense Command ( NORAD). It was an exciting time, and Joan was thrilled to help track the early moon shots. Later Joan worked for the state of Connecticut helping to update their computer system
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After retirement, Joan became a snowbird and an avid golfer. She played in leagues both in Plymouth, Massachusetts and Englewood, Florida and made many lasting friendships.
She was a very special aunt to her 12 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews and 15 great great nieces & nephews. She loved every one of them and provided advice and help whenever needed. Every year Joan organized a family reunion at her lake home in Plymouth. This always signaled the beginning of summer to friends and family.
Joan was also an avid traveler. She visited Europe several times, as well as China, Australia, Vietnam, Laos, the Galapagos and Iceland. She made many friends throughout her life and truly valued those friendships.
Family, friends and all who knew her will, miss Joan’s loyalty, friendship, enthusiasm for life, and kindness. She truly had a life well-lived and will be very much missed.
Visiting hours will be held at the P.E. Murray - F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury on Sunday, June 8th from 1-4pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Monday, June 9th at 10am, followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Name Church, West Roxbury at 11am. Interment in the St. James section of St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joan’s memory to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.