Joan A. Dufresne, 86

LACONIA — Joan A. Dufresne, 86, of Ashwood Circle, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Joan was born on Aug. 13, 1939, in Lewiston, Maine, 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 when 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, Pennsylvania; daughter Sue Carignan and husband Doug of Laconia; grandchildren Kyle and wife Kelsey Dufresne of Wayne, Pennsylvania, Kayla and husband Jordan Winsor of Barrington, Mark and wife Eleni Dufresne of Pipersville, Pennsylvania, Zach and wife Anne Carignan of Richmond, Rhode Island, and Alec Dufresne of Telford, Pennsylvania; six great-grandchildren, Maeve, Rhett, Lucy, Bodie, Seamus and Grayson. Other surviving family members include brother Ronald Drapeau of Auburn, Maine, 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 at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave.

A celebration of life luncheon will follow at Hector's Restaurant in Laconia.

A private graveside service will be held at a future date at St. Peters Cemetery, Lewiston, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joan’s name can be made to the Community Wellness Center, 22 Strafford St. #2, Laconia, NH 03246, or the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, 186 Waukewan St. #6023, Meredith, NH 03253.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.