HARDWICK: Joan Ann (Martin) McDonald, of Hardwick, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026 in the loving home of her daughter, surrounded by family. Born to Joseph L. Martin and Emily D. (Lacombe) Martin of Ware, Massachusetts, Joan lived a life defined by strength, resilience, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. Joan is survived by her children: Karen Majka, Sharon Long, Darryl Boudreau, Shelley Boudreau, Sherry Gould, Darren Boudreau, and Ricky Boudreau. She also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husbands, Harold G. Boudreau and Thomas McDonald; her parents, Joseph L. Martin and Emily D. Martin; her sister, Jean A. Perron; her sons, Harold G. Boudreau and Derrick J. Boudreau; her daughter, Cheryl J. Lemoine; her grandson, Jason Berthiaume; her great-grandson, Ryder A. Demers; her great-great-granddaughter, Ella Skye Kline; and her beloved furry companion , Ginger, who held a special place in her heart.

Joan embraced life with passion and determination. She loved traveling, especially her cross-country adventures out West, and looked forward each year to spending winters at her home in Florida. She found peace and fulfillment working in her yard, often tending to it from sunrise until sunset. She enjoyed reading romance novels, creating Native American inspired crafts, painting, horseback riding, and hunting with her boys at hunting camp. Whether she was building, repairing, or creating, there was truly very little Joan couldn't do. She was remarkably resourceful, independent, and never afraid to tackle a challenge herself.

Throughout her career, Joan worked at Diamond National, where she repaired machinery, showcasing her exceptional mechanical ability and work ethic. She later served as the Head Telephone Operator at Belchertown State School, where she dedicated many years before retiring.

Above all, Joan had a generous heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand to her children, grandchildren, friends, or anyone in need. She possessed a rare combination of quiet compassion and fierce determination. Strong-willed, hardworking, and endlessly capable, Joan met life's challenges with courage and grace. Her beauty radiated not only through her smile but through the strength of her character, her resilience.

Joan's legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, the countless lives she touched, and the enduring memories of a woman whose love, strength, and spirit will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

All are invited to her calling hours on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 4-8pm at Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street, Ware, MA 01082. Her funeral service is Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 am at United Church of Ware, 49 Church Street, Ware, MA 01082 followed by burial in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Greenwich Road, Ware, MA.