Obituary of Joan Hazel Brothers

Joan Brothers, age 84, passed away peacefully at home with family on June 27th, 2020.
Joan Hazel (Plante) Brothers was born on January 24th 1936 in Palmer, MA.  She grew up alongside her three siblings on the family farm.  Joan enjoyed school and was a good student.  In middle school Joan’s talent playing the violin won her a spot in the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra.  As a teenager she and her friends loved to roller skate.  She made money for the rink by babysitting, which was her first job.  After graduating from Palmer High School in 1953 she began working in the accounting department at the former Tampax in Three Rivers.  
On October 12, 1957 she married Francis “Babe” Brothers. They moved to Monson in 1966 where they raised their family. Over the years Joan worked various part time jobs while raising her six children, which was her happiest and most fulfilling work.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing cards with friends and traveling.  She had a passion for baking and an indelible love of sweets.  Her one bowl chocolate cake, banana bread and devil dog recipes will be passed on for generations.  Joan enjoyed good food and trying new places to eat.  She especially appreciated a trip to Friendly’s with her loyal and beloved friend Donna Bellefeuille.  
Joan is predeceased by her parents Louise and Arthur Plante, her husband Francis Marshall Brothers and great-grandchild Emilio Christopher Dos Santos.  She is survived by her three siblings, Helen McDonald, Serine Plante and Henry Plante; her children Darlene (Daniel) Whittemore, Mark (Susan) Brothers and Timothy Brothers all of Monson, Kimberly Kozloski of West Warren,  Christi Brothers of Palmer and April (Scott) Demetrius of Wales.
She was affectionately known as Nana to her eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed visits from her family especially her great-grandchildren who made her laugh and smile. 
Joan was an easy- going, kind soul with a wonderful sense of humor.  She was a woman of great faith and she will be sadly missed by her family and all who loved her. 
All services will be private. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parish Restoration Fund at St. Patrick Parish, PO Box 473, Monson, MA 01057 or Monson Senior Center, Meals on Wheels program at 106 Main Street, Monson, MA 01057.