Florence, MA – A legacy of greatness is the daily act of love and kindness that becomes the greatness of your legacy – A. Gougeon
When you leave behind a legacy of care and grace, those who follow love freely- L. Ducharme
Surrounded by love, comfort and dignity, the matriarch of our family, Joan M. Archambault, 91 of Florence, Mass passed peacefully at home on May 24, 2026 surrounded by her daughters.
Born March 2, 1935 in Northampton to parents William J and Mary (Thompson) Arnold
A lifelong resident of Northampton she attended local schools graduating from Northampton Commercial College.
After having her three children, Joan went on to have a professional career at the VA Medical Center in Leeds, Mass where she retired as Chief of Personal Property Management.
After spending time with her grandchildren, Joan found a second career working at the Northampton Honor Court as an assistant director locating real estate, supervising day to day operations and overseeing construction and re-modeling of group homes.
Throughout her life her creativeness included buying and selling real estate, baking and decorating wedding cakes which she so generously gave as gifts.
Her hobbies included building and decorating miniature dollhouses, buying and selling antiques, flea markets and attending Brimfield.
Her artistic talents included sewing, cake decorating, design of landscape architecture, gardening and painting portraits up into her late 80″ s.
Joan was a generous soul baking for friends and neighbors known for her incredible cookie platters. She was selfless with her time and energy always reaching out to help others.
The foundational pillar of our family, Joan lived a rich life filled with love and friendship which she guided on her own terms.
Throughout her life, Joan exemplified strength and commitment to her family and community.
Joan was predeceased by her parents William and Mary Arnold. Her brothers Russell and Jack Kenyon, William J. Arnold, David D. Arnold and sister Dawn C. Arnold and the love of her life Louis Golling.
She is survived by her sister Jean Latham of Kingsland, GA. Her children Lyn M. Ducharme of Northampton, William R. Archambault of Leeds, April A. Gougeon and son-in-law Robert E. Gougeon of Leeds, her step sons Robert (Susan) Golling of Minnesota and Jeffrey Golling of Enfield, Connecticut. Her grandchildren Gabrielle N. Gougeon and fiancé Charles L. Bonar of Florence, Mass and Drew R. Gougeon Florence, Mass and several nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday May 29 from 4pm-6pm with an In-House Service starting at 6pm. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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