LACONIA ---- Joan A. Dufresne, 86, of Ashwood Circle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Joan was born on August 13, 1939, in Lewiston, ME, the daughter of the late Omer Drapeau and Lillian (Larochelle) Drapeau.
Joan was known for her kindness, generosity and most importantly her love for her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never wanted to miss an event where they were involved. Joan worked for Concord Group Insurance for over 27 years before retiring in 2004 where she resided with her daughter for the remaining years. Joan was an active member of the Community Wellness Center where she built many friendships and supported the organization by participating on the Board.
Joan and her dearest friend Flo would often go on adventures together, whether it be on cruises, traveling, or getting together twice a week for lunch or day trips. Joan is survived by her son Paul Dufresne and wife Maureen, of Langhorne, PA; daughter Sue Carignan and husband Doug, of Laconia, NH; grandchildren, Kyle and wife Kelsey Dufresne, of Wayne, PA, Kayla and husband Jordan Winsor, of Barrington, NH, Mark and wife Eleni Dufresne, of Pipersville, PA, Zach and wife Anne Carignan, of Richmond, RI and Alec Dufresne, of Telford, PA; 6 great- grandchildren, Maeve, Rhett, Lucy, Bodie, Seamus and Grayson. Other family surviving members include brother Ronald Drapeau, of Auburn, ME, and niece Monique Eldridge. In addition to her parents, Joan is predeceased by her sister-in- law Jaqueline Drapeau and niece Celeste Drapeau.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Andre Bessette Parish- Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be followed at Hector's Restaurant in Laconia, NH.
A private Graveside Service will be held at a future date at St. Peter's Cemetery, Lewiston, ME.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joan’s name can be made to the Community Wellness Center 22 Strafford Street #2, Laconia, NH 03246 or the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, 186 Waukewan Street #6023, Meredith, NH 03253.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.