Joan M. (Anderson) Dunphy Gardner

HOLDEN - Joan (Anderson) Dunphy Gardner, 86, of Jefferson, passed away at Holden Nursing Home on Thursday, August 31, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Born and raised in Worcester, Joan was the daughter of Walter and Ruth (Froggatt) Anderson and lived her last 30 years in Holden. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Gardner; her son, Eric Dunphy and wife Paula of Falmouth; her daughter, Nancy MacDonald and husband, James of Worcester; her brother, Walter Anderson and his wife, Anne of Yarmouth, Maine; her six beloved grandchildren with their husbands and wives; and three adored great-grandchildren.Joan graduated from Commerce High School and Broms Academy in Worcester. She was employed as a hairdresser at Mr. Johns in West Boylston and later became a care coordinator and activities director at GMPI in Marlboro. Joan and Bill loved spending their summers at Sea Vu Campground in Wells Beach Maine, always surrounded by family and many dear friends. Joan especially enjoyed music and was a talented trumpet, piano, and organ player, as well as an accomplished oil painter. Joan would like to send her love and thank her family and friends for making her life full. Her daughter Nancy was able to keep her at home and provide wonderful care. Special thanks to the South County VNA Hospice clinical team members Jill Cross and Susan Hanson, and Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joan's family from 5:30-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Foundation c/o UMass Office of Advancement, 333 South Street Shrewsbury MA 01545. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please "sign the guest book" on this page.