Cover photo for Joan M. LeBeau Hayes's Obituary
Joan M. LeBeau Hayes Profile Photo
1941 Joan 2024

Joan M. LeBeau Hayes

June 28, 1941 — March 11, 2024

Joan M. LeBeau Hayes, a beloved soul who graced this world with her kindness and warmth, transitioned peacefully at the U-Mass Memorial Medical Center Worcester Ma. Joan was number seven of nine children born in Boston on June 28, 1941, to Thomas E. and Grace H. LeBeau of Boston Ma. In her early years, Joan had a loving and devoted relationship with her father’s mother Mrs. Nellie LeBeau before her transition.

Beloved William Hayes and Joan were married in Westfield Ma. at the residence of Charles and Jacqueline Howard on July 11th 2004. They remained married for twenty years.

Like her parents, Joan was a true Bostonian raised in Boston’s South End. In her youth, Joan’s mother Grace LeBeau directed her to enroll in one of the most popular systems for teaching practical penmanship in America, The American Penman. Created by Austin Palmer in the late 19th century, Joan earned a Certificate Of Proficiency while attending St. John’s Catholic Grade School for the attainment of excellence in rapid, legible business writing.

Joan attended and graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School For Girls Boston Ma, where she learned to type an average of 120 wpm. This essential skillset became an important component of Joan’s foundation for a life filled with learning and growth. Joan went on to start her career working for the Recruitment and Training Program (RTP). After several successful years,  she transitioned over to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), where she poured her hard work and dedication into the “T’s” payroll division.

Those who knew Joan will always remember her for her gentle and welcoming personality. She had a special gift for making everyone around her feel at ease, and she cherished every moment spent with her family and grandchildren. Joan’s love for reading, travel, and being a devoted nana illuminated the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joan found pride in retiring after 20 years of service with the “T” and in giving back by supporting St. Judes—a testament to her generous spirit.

In her leisure time, Joan found joy in receiving regular updates about her grandchildren’s accomplishments, cheering on the Boston Celtics, listening to music, and exploring the world through her Apple iPad.

Joan was preceded in transitioning by her parents Thomas & Grace LeBeau, her sister Norma Lebeau and brothers Raymond LeBeau, Vernon LeBeau, John LeBeau and Ralph LeBeau.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be forever treasured by her surviving family: her loving husband William Hayes, devoted son Charles A. Howard “Tony”, caring sister Rita V. Lopes, beloved sister Jacqui Y. LeBeau, dear brother Lawrence P. LeBeau, cherished daughter-in-law Jacqueline Howard, and her adoring grandchildren Jonas Kefalas, Ava Howard, Tyrique Hayes and Terrell Hayes. Joan also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews.

While our hearts are heavy with grief at the loss of Joan from this world, we find solace in knowing that she has left behind a lasting imprint of kindness and love on all those who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace knowing she was loved beyond measure.

Introduction
– Tony Howard

Obituary

 - Ava Howard

Prayer
– Deacon John O’Neal

Words Of Memories By Family
– Tony Howard
– Jacqueline Howard
– Ava Howard
– Virginia Henry

Celebration Of Life Video

A Celebration of Life for Joan M. LeBeau- Hayes will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 11am until 3pm at the Comfort Cremation Funeral Home, 1027 Main St Worcester Ma. 01603

  • Kerry Hayes says:

    Ray I was so very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing,
    please extend my condolences to Tony, Jacqueline
    and her grandchildren. I’ll be thinking of all of you during this very difficult time.

  • Deondre Kennard says:

    I am truly sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories as a youth Of Auntie Joan! May she continue to spread love and Joy in her next chapter!💞💞🙏🏽🙏🏽

  • Jessica says:

    My condolences to the Howard family. May God continue to comfort you in this time of grief.

  • David Porter says:

    Joan as known by me was always a joy to behold. A spirit of kindness, welcoming, understanding and generosity was always commonplace whenever I encountered her. That spirit I always felt would be there when she would ever deal with my sons Daron and Adron. She will forever be remembered by me for all the qualities mentioned. May those memories be a blessing to others. David Porter

  • Beverly E. Harris says:

    My heartfelt condolences to Joan’s family. I, like Joan and Bill, retired from the MBTA. Joan’s legacy of genuine kindness, joy, love, and caring spirit will live on forever. God whispered Joan’s name and she followed Him into eternal glory. I pray that God will continue to bless and provide comfort and strength to her beloved husband, Bill and the rest of her family.

  • Beverly E. Harris says:

    My heartfelt condolences to the Hayes, LeBeau, and Howard family. I, like Joan and Bill, retired from the MBTA. Joan’s legacy of genuine kindness, joy, love, and caring spirit will live on forever. God whispered Joan’s name and she followed Him into eternal glory. I pray that God will continue to bless, comfort, and strengthen her family during this difficult time.

  • Beverly E. Harris says:

    My sincere condolences. I, like Joan and Bill, retired from the MBTA. Joan’s legacy of genuine kindness, friendship, love, and caring spirit will live on forever. God whispered Joan’s name and she followed Hiim into eternal glory. I pray that God will bless, comfort, and strengthen her loving family during this difficult time.

  • Cee Jackson says:

    Sending condolences to Tony n the family from Cee Jackson n your Masonic family 🙏

  • Mary B says:

    My sincere condolences 🙏 to the family. Sorry for your loss.. those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near. My prayers are with the entire family.

  • Monica Peters says:

    My heart is heavy with the passing of my dear friend Joan. My condolences to Bill and Tony and the rest of the family. May Joan rest in spiritual peace.

  • Patricia L Houston says:

    I worked at the MBTA (Employee Relations/HR) during Joan and Bill’s tenure. Joan was always welcoming both on professional and personal levels. Her smile and kindness what I remember most.

    I offer my most sincere condolences, to you Bill, her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

  • Jerry Kelley says:

    Joan was a genuinely kind and loving woman. She always greeted me with a big smile & hug! God bless Joan and may her rest be peaceful✝️

  • Sandra Yvonne Semedo (Kouyate) says:

    From Cousin Myra Cooper
    Blessings to you Raymond Jr!!! And Family! May the peace of our Lord rest upon you during this challenging time🙏🏽❤️🫶🏽💯 Myra

  • Sandra Yvonne Semedo (Kouyate) says:

    My condolences cousin William.
    My prayers of blessings to you and
    all your family and friends. ✝️🙏🏼💕

  • Julia Santa says:

    For a while, Joan and I would have long, deep, thoughtful conversations that made it feel as if we’d known each other for so much longer than we had. She said we were kindred spirits and that meant a lot to me.
    Joan, you’ll always be a part of me.

  • Shirley Gooding says:

    My heartfelt condolences to Tony, Bill, Jackie, Ava, Jonas, Jacqui, Lawrence, Rita, Tyrique, Terrell, all Joan’s nieces, nephews, and friends in your tremendous loss. I pray God will comfort each and every one of you and keep your memories alive. Rest in peace, Dear Joan. I’ve missed you.
    Much Love,
    Bunny Gooding

  • Patricia Alkins Clark says:

    My heart goes out to the entire Lebeau- Hayes family.
    Joan was truly a one of kind person who always let you know that you were loved.
    We met in 1960 through my dearly departed sister Barbara Alkins- Cassis. Immediately I felt her loving spirit. Joan’s kindness and love. I will miss our lengthy conversations we had about her love for family.

    My sincere condolences to your entire family🙏🏾
    Patty Alkins-Clark

  • Christine M. Bond says:

    Bill and Family, Lifting your precious Joan up in praise and celebration. As a member of Joan’s MBTA family, we shared many years of love and friendship. Wishing you much love and the gift of memories shared. My heart is yours. Rest in paradise Joan. . .

  • Alysha says:

    I am so incredibly sorry to sad to hear of your passing. You were such a sweet and kind person. As one of my Mom’s oldest and dearest friends you were like another Aunt. I hope the two of you are up in heaven now, giggling like two schoolgirls. Rest in peace.

  • Diane McKinley says:

    Auntie Joan you will always be in my ♥..Rest Now

  • Helen Smitley says:

    I am so very sorry that Joan has left us, but so very glad you were graced by her for so very long.

  • Roger and Tina Rose says:

    Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. May her beautiful life and cherished memories bring you comfort and strength during this challenging time.

    Love, Roger and Tina

  • Geraldine Dubreuil says:

    RIP auntie Joan, I will always remember you for always being kind to me, from my younger years until the day you closed your eyes, we kept in contact through facebook.. I remember one day I called u Joan and you check me real quick..
    It’s Auntie Joan! I knew when I didn’t see you on FB I knew something was wrong,I’m at peace knowing you are with your mom, dad and brothers dancing in heaven, Rest easy
    Auntie Joan❤️🙏🏾

  • Erwin Greene says:

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God blesses you and your family with comfort during this time. I will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers your way.

    Love & Respect ❤️

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan M. LeBeau Hayes, please visit our flower store.

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, April 13, 2024

11:00am - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

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