Joan F. (Bertsch) Roy, 96

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories we announce the peaceful passing of Joan F. Roy, 96, of Haverhill, on May 28, 2026; she was at home surrounded by her loved ones.

With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of our beloved mother, Joan, who left a permanent mark on the lives of everyone she touched. At 96 years young, she embodied the spirit of adventure and joy, radiating warmth and kindness wherever she went. Her infectious enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures, such as shopping, going out to eat, downhill skiing, camping, a cold draft beer, and dancing, always being the life of the party, inspired us all. Her crowning achievement was conquering the Tuckerman’s Ravine with dear friends Marie and Susie, a testament to her fearless spirit. Renting oceanfront cottages and spending time at the beach brought her immense happiness. Her love for her family was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and entire family. A true angel on earth, Joan’s selflessness and generosity inspired us all. She had a special gift for finding the perfect gift, often surprising loved ones with thoughtful presents. Mom and Dad together, they instilled in us the values of kindness, compassion, honesty and faith. Mom’s remarkable life was a testament to the power of love, leaving an enduring legacy of warmth, kindness, and devotion. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her Catholic values guided her every step. We are eternally grateful for the lessons she taught us, and we will continue to celebrate her life, cherishing the memories and love she shared with us.

Joan was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived her childhood there, moving to Haverhill, Massachusetts in the 1940s when she was a young teenager. She moved with her mother Jane Bertsch and her sister Irene, with her two children Mickey and Marianne and brother Bob. Mickey (Henrickson) and Marianne (Moody) have so much love for their Aunt Joanie saying she was like a mother and friend to them. She was a proud graduate of Haverhill High School in 1949.  She retired working full-time at A. W. Chesterton when she was 80 years old, working there since 1977. Joan also worked at the Hytron Plant in Newburyport in the 1950s, which is where she met our dad and fell in love. Joan was a member of Saint James Parish in Haverhill for decades, where family Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings and funerals occurred.

Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, her soulmate, Joseph Laurent Roy, her daughter Jane Marie (Roy) White, her son-in-law Stephen J. White, and her grandchild Charise Mae Wholley.  She was also predeceased by her Mother, Jane Bertsch, and her sisters Irene Whitehouse, Chickie Gillespie and brother Robert Bertsch. She leaves her sons Norman Roy and his wife Lynn from Bakersfield, CA, Gary Roy from Portland, ME, Joseph Roy and John Roy and his wife Nilsa Montijo-Roy all from Haverhill. She leaves her daughter Judy Wholley and her husband Michael Wholley from Haverhill; she also leaves her daughter Deborah Mclean from Loudon, NH. She leaves her grandchildren Amy White, Stephen White, Joseph Roy, Jonathan Roy, Merri (White) Morrill and Shannon (White) Crowley and William and Aaron Mclean. She leaves her great-grandchildren Brodie John White, Callie Ann and Madilyn Joan Roy, Joseph and Kiley Morrill and Colton and Andrew Crowley.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to Beacon Hospice of Lawrence for providing incredible care and compassion to our mom and our entire family. Your gentle support during such a difficult time brought us so much peace, and we will always be grateful for your kindness.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, June 3^rd from 4PM until 7PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 4^th at 10AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Plaistow, NH, followed by burial at St. James Cemetery, Haverhill. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.