Obituary of Joan Drouin
Joan M. Drouin, 61, of Granby Massachusetts, passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on August 14th, 2020, due to complications caused by Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. She was born May 20th, 1959 in Hartford Ct, and grew up in Bloomfield Ct. Joan will be loved and forever missed by her children, Kyle, Alex and Stacey, her mother Joan MacKeen, three siblings, Walter, Karen, and John, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and family friends.
Joan was not much for being formal; she would wrap you up in a hug before shaking your hand. Many knew her as the smiling driver of bus number 5, a mom to any who needed one. Driving those kids to school was her pride, and in doing so, she was adopted into many families. Joan had second generations on her bus and would threaten to not call mom and dad, but grandma and grandpa, if you misbehaved! And boy did she find that funny!
One of her favorite hobbies (which she was extremely skilled and took immense pride) was crocheting. Getting a hand made blanket, hat, or piece of clothing from her was such an honor. She loved making baby blankets for new little ones arriving, and began making hats and matching mittens for her kindergartners on her bus in her last few years of driving. One of her newest endeavors after she retired, was making hats to donate to orphans. Her favorite days were ones spent at the Granby library with her knitting group (who will continue making hats and donating them in her name). After she was diagnosed with breast cancer (and kicked its butt!), the Live Strong Support group at the YMCA became her strength, her guide, and a second family.
As upsetting as this is, we all know she's safe and home with her true soul mate, Peter S.Orbzut, who passed away March 28th, 2020. She has also been reunited with her dad, Raymond, who passed in 2012. We ask you remember her not in sadness, but in all the sunshine she left behind. When able, the family will hold a celebration of life for both Joan and Pete.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joan's name to your favorite charity.
"Don't be sad that I am gone, be happy that I was here" -Gene Wilder
