Joan M. (Duhamel) Taylor

WORCESTER – Joan M. (Duhamel) Taylor, 77, of Worcester, died Monday, July 31, 2023 at Odd Fellows Home, 104 Randolph Road.

She leaves a sister Patricia Martineau and her husband Louis Martineau of Fitchburg; her ex-husband John Taylor of California; a daughter, Lisa Martinez and her husband William Martinez of Worcester, their children, Ashley, Nicholas, and Christian Martinez and granddaughter Avianna Fisher. She leaves four sons, Michael Taylor of Arizona and his children Destiny and Daniel Taylor; Michael’s wife Lindsay Taylor and their son Harrison of Arizona; Steven Taylor and his wife Michelle Taylor of Brookfield along with their children Julia, Zachary and his wife Jordan, Emily and Samantha Taylor; David Taylor of Utah and his children Sarah, Jordan and Dallin Taylor; James Taylor of Worcester.

She was predeceased by her brother Robert McGraw and her sister Ann Gibson. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family and many amazing friends.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of Ernest J. and Mary A. (Drohan) Duhamel.  She graduated from the former Commerce High School in Worcester. 

Joan was a private home health aide for eleven years for Richard Cruz whom she absolutely adored and cared so deeply for. She loved music, live bands, dancing, watching her favorite TV shows, spending time at the casino with her friends and being with her family. She loved everyone she knew and was a sweet, kind and gentle soul. She left a light in the heart of every person who had the pleasure of knowing her. What she loved most, was being a mother to her five children and a grandmother/great grandmother to her thirteen grandchildren and great granddaughter. She was always willing to help anyone in need, whether it was taking in other children when they needed a place to stay or just listening when someone needed a shoulder to cry on. She was a “Mother” to everyone and had a heart of GOLD!

Rock the heavens Mom! We will miss you always and forever.

A special Thank you to The Odd Fellows Home for taking such good care of our mom in her final Weeks.

A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Odd Fellows Home in Worcester.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Joan following the Memorial service on Wednesday August 9 from 2:30-6:30 pm at The Legion, 159 Hartwell St, West Boylston MA 01583.

There will be a private family service on Thursday, August 10th, 2023 at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA 01612.